After many years in amateur and Junior football, Wardlaw started his senior career at Ayr United in 2004, signing from Burntisland Shipyard.

[2] Wardlaw started the season well but then suffered a horrific injury in a game against East Fife.

Following his departure from Raith Rovers, Wardlaw signed on at their neighbours Cowdenbeath[4] and was a regular starter in the line-up that season making 38 appearances and scoring 19 goals in all competitions.

This meant he became a full-time professional for the first time at the age of 31 when he signed for St Mirren, giving up a career as a postman.

[13][14] Wardlaw joined Junior side Hill of Beath Hawthorn in June 2013.