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Joe Gardner joins Falkirk from Nottingham Forest on three-year deal John McGlynn hails new Falkirk signing after swoop for Nottingham Forest starlet. John McGlynn reckons new Falkirk signing Joe Gardner will quickly become a real asset for the club after striking out a permanent move for the attacking midfielder. The Bairns confirmed on Tuesday that the 21-year-old had joined from English Premier League side Nottingham Forest on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Ireland under-21 cap Gardner is McGlynn’s 12th summer signing, and has been a long-time target for Falkirk during the manager’s time at the helm. John McGlynn delighted with new signing “We’re delighted that Joe has signed for Falkirk for the next three years,” boss McGlynn said. “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.” Gardner joins Falkirk having had loan experience in the English Football League system with Lincoln City and more recently Mansfield Town. He made his first team debut for Forest back in 2014, playing against Bristol City in the FA Cup. Chris McGuane, head of Forest’s academy, said on Gardner: “Joe is undoubtedly an example of another success story from the Academy. From our youngest age group right through to a first team debut, he is a person we are extremely proud to have worked with over the years and someone who has always embodied the values of the club. “Joe is a very talented player, he is humble, he works hard, and we are all confident he will go on to have a successful career in the game. “The experiences he has been exposed to throughout his time with us have been invaluable for his development as a player and person. Being part of successful FA Youth Cup campaigns, alongside playing senior opposition from a young age in PL2, the EFL Trophy, PL International Cup and ultimately making his debut in our first team are all highlights he can remember fondly of his time at the club. “This represents a good move for Joe and for all parties, and as one of our own we will keep a close eye on his continued development and wish him the very best moving forward.”