Bardsley started with Blackpool in 1982 and subsequently moved to Watford in 1983 for £150,000 where he was noted for his pace, and played every game in Watford's run to the 1984 FA Cup Final, where they eventually lost to Everton. He played 121 matches in all competitions for Watford, scoring nine goals. In September 1987 Bardsley transferred to Oxford United to replace David Langan for a then club record of £265,000. He played 89 games for Oxford scoring seven goals. In 1989 Bardsley completed a £500,000 move to QPR where he played in 253 games over 9 seasons. Bardsley played in the QPR team of the early to mid-1990s that finished fifth in the Premier League in 1992–93, eighth in 1993–94 and eighth in 1995. He was part of the Premier LeagueTeam of the Year for 1992–93, the inaugural season of the Premier League. After QPR's relegation from the FA Premier League in 1996, Bardsley suffered a potentially career-threatening Achilles tendon injury which kept him out for the best part of two seasons. He returned at the tail end of the 1997–98 season in the midst of a relegation battle under Ray Harford's management. He played 253 games for QPR scoring four goals, helping keep QPR in Division One and the Premier League. Bardsley was released on a free transfer at the end of the 1997–98 season and returned to play for his first club, Blackpool. After leaving Blackpool, Bardsley played for Northwich Victoria.
International career
Bardsley's international career started at youth level where he earned six EnglandYouth International caps. Then progressing onto earning 4 England U21 caps. While at QPR, Bardsley was capped twice for England by his former club manager Graham Taylor during the 1992–93 season playing against Spain and Poland in a Friendly and World Cup Qualifier respectively.
Retirement
After Northwich Victoria, Bardsley opened his own soccer schools. He subsequently moved to America and in March 2007 BBC Sport reported that he was the director of Ajax's academy in Florida. His schools subsequently ended their association with Ajax, but continued to coach a couple teams until 2016.
