Anthony Gardner

When Alan Stubbs abruptly left on transfer deadline day at the end of January 2008, David Moyes turned to Anthony Gardner as an emergency loan signing from Tottenham Hotspur.

New Spurs manager, Juande Ramos, had purchased three defenders that month, including Jonathan Woodgate who was as instrumental as anyone on his debut in denying Everton a victory they deserved when the two teams met the day before at Goodison Park and played out a 0-0 draw.

That made Gardner, out of favour for much of the season because of injury and faltering form, surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and a viable candidate to provide cover for central defence at Everton. 

Indeed, despite having done enough to earn an England cap in 2004, Gardner made just 40 appearances in three seasons for the North Londoners, albeit mostly due to a series of injuries. He scored Spurs' only goal in August 2007 as the Blues triumphed 3-1 at the Lane.

Gardner was cup-tied for the Uefa Cup, having played in the competition for Spurs, and he joined Everton injured and unable to play.  Indeed, his last appearance for them was against Getafe in October 2007.

Fortunately, he was not needed as it turned out.  There were no significant injuries to Everton's backline (although plenty in midfield and up-front), and he never did get to play for Everton (other than the reserves).

He was subsequently sold by Spurs to Hull City for the rather incredible sum of £2.5M!

By Lyndon Lloyd and Michael Kenrick
Last updated May 2008