David Gardner joined Newcastle United from Third Lanark in 1899. He made 80 appearances for his new club before moving to Grimsby Town for a fee of £250. Syd King persuaded Gardner to join West Ham in 1904. The West Ham defence included George Kitchen, Frank Piercy, Len Jarvis, Tommy Allison and Bill Wildman. During the 1906-07 season the team only conceded 41 goals in 38 games. He was also the captain of West Ham between 1904 and 1907 when Frank Piercy took over the job. After retiring from playing he became a trainer. This included working for Leicester City (1919-31).