Daniel Keith Gardner (born 5 April 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Oldham Athletic.

An "outstanding" performance against Rangers secured a short-term deal which was extended to a three-year professional contract.

Gardner returned to Manchester where he was persuaded to join local team Flixton in the Vodkat Premier Division.

His performances soon attracted the attention of football league sides, he spent two weeks on trial at Oldham Athletic and a month training with Crewe Alexandra.

[6] His first league goal for the club was a penalty in a 3–3 draw at home to Histon in February, a couple of days after scoring a brace in the FA Trophy at Dartford.

[10][11] At the beginning of September 2020 he joined Wigan Athletic on a short-term deal[12] and on 5 October 2020, his contract was extended until January 2021.

[18] On 29 July 2022, Gardner returned to Oldham Athletic on a two-year deal following their relegation to the National League.