Falkirk Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Joe Gardner from Nottingham Forest on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also play anywhere across the front-line, becomes John McGlynn’s 12th summer signing as he bolsters our attacking options.
Joe joins from English Premiership side Nottingham Forest, where he worked his way through to youth system, eventually making his first team debut in 2024 in an FA Cup match against Bristol City. He then went on to impress in the Premier League 2, scoring six goals and assisting three in the first half of the 2024/25 season.
The Irishman, who has represented his country at youth level, making his U21 debut against Scotland last year, comes with EFL experience, having spent time on loan with Lincoln City and Mansfield Town.
John McGlynn said:
“We’re delighted that Joe has signed for Falkirk for the next three years. He’s a player we’ve been after for some time since we first looked at him a couple of years ago, but we were never really in a position to get him here.
“He had loan spells last season at Lincoln and Mansfield, which is a very good level. He’s 21, he’s an attacking midfield player and he’s about 6ft 1in or 6ft 2in, so he’s a tall boy. Technically, he’s very good and he works extremely hard, which will fit in nicely with the way we play.
“We feel he’s going to play a huge part for us and, at the same time, I think we can be good for Joe. I’m sure that if he does well here, he’ll get recognised and potentially have the opportunity to go back down to England and play at a really good level. We’re very excited about the signing.
“A big thank you goes to Owen Coyle Jr at Nottingham Forest. He’s been brilliant with us throughout the negotiations. It took a little bit of time, but we’re delighted that we got there and we’re looking forward to working with Joe.”
Welcome to Falkirk, Joe!
