Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Ricardo Gardner could be the latest one of Sam Allardyce's old boys to sign at the Boleyn Ground, as the 34 year old turned out for the reserves last night. Jamaican international Gardner has been a free agent since leaving Bolton at the end of last season, and Big Sam is known to be a fan of the utility man- having made an unsuccessful bid in the summer of 2011 to sign him. Gardner decided on that occasion to sign a one year extension to his contract at the Reebok, but made only four appearances last season and was released in May. Sam has now offered him a trial period at the club and the veteran started last night's Development Squad game against Southampton, being substituted for youngster Manny Onariase after an hour. Were he to sign, Gardner's role would almost certainly be one of influence and advice more than a playing role; at the age of 34, he's not the player he was and would not stand much of a chance of breaking into the Hammers' first team reckoning.
By Alex Shilling
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