West Ham to sign Ricardo Gardner on a free transfer

[Hortical]

West Ham are poised to sign Ricardo Gardner on a free transfer.
The Jamaican left-back is available after seeing out his contract at Bolton and is now expected to pen a two-year deal at Upton Park.

He was offered the chance to stay at the Reebok Stadium but has decided to embark on a new challenge with the Hammers.

West Ham are preparing to mount a challenge for promotion from the Championship and announced earlier on Wednesday that they were set to bring in two 'proven Premier League players' within the next 24 hours.

Gardner certainly fits into that category, having plied his trade with the Trotters for the majority of his career.

He joined Bolton from homeland club Harbour View in 1998 and was a virtual ever-present in the team until last season, when he had a spell on loan with Preston.

Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan is also expected to seal a switch to West Ham after undergoing a medical with the Londoners.


Credit (Sky Sports)

[Me]

Congrats to Bibbi. I hope he is able to cement a place in the team and contribute to our current squad. We could use him off the bench in qualifiers.

[Gamma]

would be good if he gets back up with the hammers ....

[Assasin]

Big Sam a bring all a him boys down there. Bibi, Kevin Nolan and Faye.

[Tilla]

Gardner's deal fell through as a result of failed medical

RICARDO GARDNER'S move from Bolton to West Ham has collapsed after the defender failed a medical.

He missed most of last season with a knee injury, and has had cruciate problems.
The Hammers were ready with a two-year deal after his contract expired at Bolton.

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Ricardo Gardner has rejected a move to West Ham

Ricardo Gardner has rejected a move to West Ham United & wants to see out career with Bolton - agent

The midfielder had been released from his contract at the Reebok, but is now expected to sign a new short-term contract with the club instead of linking up with Sam Allardyce

By Joel Lamy
17 Jun 2011 18:36:00

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Ricardo Gardner has rejected the chance to be re-united with former manager Sam Allardyce, according to his agent.

The Jamaican was released from his contract at the club after only playing five times last season, but it is now expected to re-sign on a short-term deal.

The 32-year-old enjoyed success with Allardyce when he was in charge, but unlike former team-mate Kevin Nolan, he does not want to drop down a division to play under Allardyce’s new side, West Ham United.

"It was very tempting for Ricardo to go and play for Sam, as a former manager, and one he enjoyed a lot of success with," agent Phil Graham told Bolton News.

"But he didn't particularly want to relocate, and his family certainly didn't want to relocate.

"He loves the club and the town, and wants to see his career out at Bolton, and more importantly in the Premier League."

Gardner has played 344 times for the club after signing from Jamaican side Harbour View for £1 million in 1998, when Bolton were still in the old First Division.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle said a month ago that he was not going to offer Gardner a new deal at the club despite his long service, but it now appears that he has a slight change of heart.