Gardner set to join 'Hammers'

Veteran Jamaican defender/midfielder Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner has reportedly secured a two-year deal with English League Championships outfit West Ham United, ending a 13-year relationship with Bolton Wanderers.

Gardner, an elder statesman within the Bolton ranks, is set to reunite with Sam Allardyce, the man who brought him to Bolton after his impressive exploits with the Jamaican team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

The 32-year-old Jamaican completed a medical yesterday afternoon and moves to Upton Park on a free trial. He was offered a one-year extension from Bolton, which plays in the Premier League, but opted for the added security of a two-year contract and his relationship with Allardyce.

Gardner forms part of a puzzle being put together by Allardyce as he looks to lead the team to an immediate return to the top flight after their relagation last season. Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan is also expected to seal a switch to West Ham after undergoing a medical with the Londoners, as well as Abdoulaye Faye.

Seeking fresh start

The Jamaican, who played over 400 games in the Bolton Wanderers jersey and has over 100 caps for the Reggae Boyz, was offered the chance to stay at the Reebok Stadium but has decided to seek a fresh start with the 'Hammers'.

The enterprising player has been a fixture in the Bolton Wanderers set-up for the majority of his time there but has been hampered by a knee injury in recent times.

Gardner has been an important member of Jamaica's senior team for the past decade and has been captaining the team, once available, since 2005.

West Ham, through a statement, confirmed the imminent arrival of experienced players ahead of the upcoming season.

"Both prospective arrivals are proven Premier League players and will add greatly to new manager Sam Allardyce's first-team squad ahead of the 2011-12 season," read a club statement.