In August 1988 Gardiner left for Crewe Alexandra, again on a free transfer, after making 49 league appearances for the Gulls, scoring 4 goals in the process.
Gardiner took over as caretaker manager, his first game in charge bringing a 3–0 home win over Welling United.
The following season was a struggle, Northwich flirted with relegation, finally finishing 18th, and were knocked out of the FA Trophy by Runcorn in the 2nd Round.
On 3 October 2000, with Northwich bottom of the Conference with only 9 points from 12 games, Gardiner was sacked,[4] joining Leek Town as a player, making his debut in a draw at Altrincham.
He almost immediately joined Nantwich Town as a player, making his debut at left-back in a 2–0 win over Ramsbottom United.