After suffering a severe leg injury in 1970, Pardoe spent two years on the sidelines, and struggled to hold down a first team place upon his return.
[3] In his youth he played for Mid-Cheshire Boys,[4] and received approaches from both Everton and Manchester City.
[12] Once converted to full-back, Pardoe became a fixture in the Manchester City team, and played at left-back throughout the club's successful period in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
[13] After spending the opening match on the bench, Pardoe was restored to the starting line-up and played every game for the rest of the season.
Six of these came in September, including braces in consecutive matches, against Carlisle United and Norwich City.
City went into the final match of the season, at Newcastle United's St James' Park, knowing a win would secure the championship.
City, watched by a crowd including 20,000 travelling supporters[18] won 4–3 and clinched the championship.
Pardoe scored the winning goal for City in the 1970 League Cup Final, beating West Bromwich Albion.
[20] The injury sidelined Pardoe for nearly two years, and by the time he returned Willie Donachie had established himself as first choice left back.
[21] His association with the club ended in 1992 when Peter Reid abruptly sacked him, along with longstanding physio Roy Bailey.
[22] During the 2005–06 season he worked in the media, summarising Manchester City matches on BBC GMR.
[21] Pardoe was the cousin of his former teammate Alan Oakes, with several other relations having played professionally.