[3] He began his career with Russian sides CSKA Moscow and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
[3] After two years, he returned to England to sign for St Albans City, moving on to Hendon on dual-registration in January 2019.
[12] After a spell with Kings Langley[13] Gardiner-Smith signed for Southern Football League side Hanwell Town in January 2023.
[15][16] In August 2024, Gardiner-Smith joined Southern League Premier Division South side Sholing.
[17] He made nine league appearances before suffering a potentially career-ending injury which brought his season to an end in October 2024.