Taylor Gardner-Hickman has confirmed his Blackburn Rovers career has ended as he returns to Birmingham City. The midfielder spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Blackburn, helping the club avoid relegation to League One.
Loan Spell at Blackburn
Gardner-Hickman played 32 Championship games for Blackburn, who finished 20th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone. Their survival was aided by the appointment of Michael O'Neill as interim manager in February.
Blackburn had an option to sign Gardner-Hickman permanently and initially indicated they would exercise it last December while Valerien Ismael was manager. However, Ismael's departure scuppered the permanent move.
Return to Birmingham City
The League One title winner will now return to St Andrew's, where he has two years remaining on his contract. Gardner-Hickman posted a farewell message on Instagram, thanking fans, players, and staff for their support during his time at Blackburn.
“My time at Rovers has come to an end following the end of my loan spell this season. I just want to say what an absolute honour it has been to represent such a historic club. To the fans – thank you for your incredible support throughout. Through every high and low, you stuck with us and that never went unnoticed. It wasn’t the season we wanted as a club, but in the end, we got the job done, and that’s what matters most. A big thank you to all the players and staff for helping me during my time here. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of such an amazing group. Wishing everyone at the club all the very best moving forward.”
Gardner-Hickman's return adds depth to Birmingham City's midfield as they prepare for the upcoming season.
