February 16, 1970
Many friends in the world will learn with sincere regret of the death which occurred on Tuesday, of Mr. Tommy Gardner, of the Chester F.C. Social Club, Sealand Road.
Mr. Gardner, who was aged 59, had for some time been suffering from heart trouble. He was for some 14 years trainer to Chester City F.C.s Division 4 side, and when he retired from this post some three years ago he took over with his wife the stewardship of the Club’s Social Club, becoming extremely popular with the patrons.
Mr. Gardner had a considerable knowledge of the professional soccer game. He began his career with Liverpool in 1928, and moved to Grimsby Town and Hull City before joining Aston Villa in 1933.
While a Villa player he was “capped” for England on three occasions. He left Villa for Burnley, with whom he played from 1938 to 1944, and during the war years he was a guest player for Blackpool, coming to Chester from Wrexham as trainer.
An all round sportsman, Mr. Gardner was thoroughly at home on the golf course and was a useful snooker player as well as enjoying tennis in his younger days.
He is survived by his wife and one son.
(Source: Cheshire Observer: February 20, 1970)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 