From Jamaica's World Cup 'baby' to big brother at Bolton

Gordon Williams, Sunday Gleaner Writer

FLORIDA, United States:

Long-time Jamaica international Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner is gearing up for his 13th season with Bolton Wanderers of the Barclays Premier League (BPL) in England. Early odds show it should be a lucky one.

Despite injuries, which cut short his last BPL campaign, Gardner is confident of returning to the form that has wowed both club and country since he was a wiry teenager. The 32-year-old recently signed a one-year contract at the Manchester-based club and declared he has lost none of his desire for football or the drive to re-establish himself as a regular in Bolton's and the Reggae Boyz line-up.

"The enthusiasm is always gonna be there because it's not a lot of people get the opportunity to do something that they love as a job," said Gardner, after a preseason training session here on July 13.

His efforts to regain full fitness, after a damaged knee sidelined him for months, has earned praise from Bolton's staff and teammates. The club expects him to make a significant contribution during BPL 2011-2012.

"For this season, as far as I'm concerned, Ricardo, if he is at his best, he'll be in the team," said manager Owen Coyle.

That would extend Gardner's near perfect bond with the club since 1998. But that has not come without adjustments. Bolton - area and team - is nothing like Jamaica. Climate and culture couldn't be further apart. Several managers have also come and gone. Gardner has added muscle, dreadlocks and maturity. His game has adapted as well.

"I think he's changed over the years," explained England international Kevin Davies, Bolton's captain. " ... (Now) he can play pretty much anywhere."

At Bolton, he's treasured.

"(Gardner's) such a lovely person," said Coyle. " ... He's such a humble man and ... I think that's always a testimony to you, how popular you are with your teammates, and the players absolutely love him."

The Bibi-Bolton bond has been in place since Gardner emerged from the '98 World Cup as a teenage star with a million pound price tag. He has logged more than 400 appearances for Bolton, most of it in the BPL, arguably the world's toughest club competition. Of the club's current roster, only goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has put in more shifts for the 'Trotters'.

But professional football is not built on sentiment. Gardner believes he's ready - again - to prove his worth.

"I'll just let the job speak for itself," he said.

So far, it has. Fans voted Gardner Bolton's 'Player of the Year' in 2007. He is Jamaica football's most recognisable face and his impact on the sport has resonated deep and wide.

Raised profile

"Gardner was the first local player coming out of the 1998 World Cup in France to secure an international football contract," explained Horace Reid, general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation.

"Also, it was the first time that any player from Jamaica attracted the level of fee he did. This raised, in very positive and significant terms, the profile of our players and our local football programme. It was also the catalyst for many aspiring players and ambitious clubs to recognise the opportunities on the horizon."

Still, it hasn't been all smooth. Gardner has endured frustrations - "ups and downs" he calls them - mostly caused by injuries. He is available for Jamaica's upcoming World Cup campaign, but right now he has Bolton on his mind.

"I have one year ahead of me, so I just have to concentrate and keep focused," Gardner said.

But he's not wound tight with worry. The same calm, "no problem" manner Gardner entertained a young autograph seeker with on July 13 has endeared him to the Bolton faithful.

"He's very relaxed, 'laid back', I think we call him," said Davies, Gardner's teammate for eight seasons.

"You know, he does his talking on the pitch ... He's always got a smile on his face and ... we all love him and respect him. He's a great lad."

Before former technical director Rene Simoes slipped the cat-quick, skilful teen into Jamaica's senior team, Gardner never imagined playing in a World Cup or professionally.

"Starting off in Jamaica I didn't picture that," he said.

Now he is viewed as a key which unlocked the future for Jamaican players. Others - including Theodore Whitmore, Ian Goodison, Walter Boyd and Donovan Ricketts - emerged from World Cup '98 to sign with British clubs. More Jamaicans followed years later. Now Reggae Boyz are scattered across leagues worldwide. Gardner spreads the credit.

Superstar status

"Yeah, I think it opened a lot of gates for others," he said of his move to Bolton. " ... (But) it's not only me, it's a collective group of us."

None can claim to have had a bigger impact than Gardner.

"I know what he has been to that country (Jamaica)," explained Davies, who occasionally visits the island. " ... He's a superstar and a legend."

During Bolton's July 13 training session Gardner's voice was barely audible above the on-field banter. But a clever interception here, an incisive pass there, before firing a stinging left foot shot into the top corner of the goal offered a subtle reminder: Bibi's here ... recognise.

After a decade in the BPL, plus a taste of European competition in the UEFA Cup, Gardner's targets have stayed simple - play "a lot of games," win as many as possible. He believes there's room for improvement, but wants to have fun as well.

"The experience is there," Gardner explained, "I'm still learning as I play the game ... I'm just trying to enjoy every moment of it."

That includes his work off the field. Coyle said Gardner is always eager to assist Bolton's community projects, especially those involving children. The father of three also spares time for teammates. 'Baby' Boyz Bibi, has grown into a big brother at Bolton.

"Everyone knows Bibi is a genuine guy," said England Under-21 international Fabrice Muamba, "He's always giving me advice whenever I needed it and is always there."

Even future opponents have benefited from the Gardner's guidance.

"He looked after me, showed me the ropes (when I came to Bolton)," said American international Stuart Holden, who could face Gardner if the US play Jamaica in upcoming qualifiers.

Yet despite his body of work - a World Cup appearance, more than 100 international caps, plus a long, successful pro career - Gardner's name doesn't automatically surface in debates involving Jamaica's best ever footballers. Yet it's hard to ignore his mark.

"I usually shy away from comparing talent especially from the different eras," said Reid. "Gardner was truly an exceptional talent and demonstrated great confidence in his potential from an early age. He was certainly one for the big stage."

And he's not done yet. Bolton need their Jamaican talisman.

"He's still a great player," said Holden. "You see it in training every day. He still competes with the lads and bangs in goals and he definitely has a few years left in him."