Ricardo Gardner is a Jamaican former professional footballer known for his versatility on the field.
Gardner earned 111 caps for the Jamaica national football team, scoring 9 goals and participating in four CONCACAF Gold Cups and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
He debuted as a starter for Harbour View F.C. at the age of just 14, showcasing his early talent in football.
Biography
Early Life
Ricardo Wayne Gardner was born in Saint Andrew, Jamaica, where he began his football journey at a remarkably young age. He debuted as a starter for Harbour View F.C. at just 14 years old, showcasing his talent early on. Gardner also excelled in local high school football while representing Wolmer's Boys' High School, dominating the leagues and earning recognition for his outstanding performances.
Career
Gardner's impressive display during the 1998 FIFA World Cup caught the attention of Bolton Wanderers, who signed him for £1 million from Harbour View. He made his debut for Bolton in the League Cup against Hartlepool on August 25, 1998, and quickly established himself in the first team. His first league goal came in a thrilling match against West Bromwich Albion, where he scored the winner in a 3-2 victory. Over his 14-year career at Bolton, Gardner made significant contributions, including playing in the Premier League for 11 seasons and scoring crucial goals, such as in the 2001 Division One Playoff Final.
After leaving Bolton in 2012, Gardner transitioned into coaching, taking on roles such as the coach of the Jamaica U-20 team and later as an assistant coach at Portmore United. He resigned from Harbour View FC in December 2018 and continued to influence young players in Jamaica.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Gardner is a Rastafarian and sports dreadlocks, reflecting his cultural identity. He is also a part-owner of Heart of Love Production, a record label that promotes ragga and dancehall music. His legacy continues through his son, Che Gardner, who is also pursuing a career in professional football.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
In December 2015, Gardner was appointed as coach of the Jamaica U-20 team. Gardner resigned as Harbour View FC Head coach in December 2018. In March 2019, Gardner joined the staff of Portmore United as assistant coach. In 2021, Gardner left his role as head of Portmore United to move back to England.
Club
International
Scores and results list Jamaica's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Gardner goal.
Club career
Early career
Born in Saint Andrew, Jamaica, Gardner began his professional career with Harbour View, where he debuted as a starter at the age of only 14 years. He also, representing Wolmer's Boys' High School, dominated the local high school football leagues and was considered outstanding. His performances for Jamaica during the 1998 World Cup attracted English First Division side Bolton Wanderers to offer Harbour View £1 million for his services.
Bolton Wanderers
Gardner immediately established himself a place in the first team for Bolton. He came on as a substitute to make his debut against Hartlepool in the League Cup on 25 August 1998, and made his league debut as a substitute again against West Bromwich Albion on 8 September 1998. In this game, Bolton were reduced to 10 men after the sending off of Guðni Bergsson shortly after Gardner came on, but he scored a late winner to give his team a memorable 3–2 victory over West Brom. He made 22 appearances, half of them starts, in his first year while scoring three goals. In his second season, 1999–2000, he established a place in the starting eleven, starting 23 of 26 games, that he has held on to since. Although Gardner suffered a cruciate ligament injury that took him out of action at the end of the season, he made a full recovery, and was able to return to the starting line-up in 2000–01 (scoring in the 2001 Division One Play off Final), playing with the promoted Bolton in the…
- Club
- Preston North End F.C. (2011–2011)
- Club
- Harbour View F.C. (1997–1998)
- Club
- Bolton Wanderers F.C. (1998–2012)
- Club
- Jamaica men's national association football team (1997–2012)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- Jamaica
Personal
Gardner is a Rastafarian and sports dreadlocks. He is part owner, with Robert Scarlett and Ian Goodison, of a record label, Heart of Love Production, which promotes ragga and dancehall music. His son Che Gardner is also a professional footballer.
Clubs
- Harbour View F.C.1997–1998
- Jamaica men's national association football team1997–2012
- Bolton Wanderers F.C.1998–2012
- Preston North End F.C.2011–2011
Played together with
- Aaron BrownPreston North End F.C. · 2012–2012
Aaron CollinsBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2024
Aaron MooyBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2009–2010
Aaron MorleyBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2022
Abdoulaye FayeBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2005–2007
Abdoulaye MéïtéBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2006–2008
Adam BartonPreston North End F.C. · 2008–2012- Adam EatonPreston North End F.C. · 1999–2003
Adam Le FondreBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2015–2015- Adam ReachPreston North End F.C. · 2015
Aiden McGeadyPreston North End F.C. · 2016–2017- Akinori NishizawaBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2001–2001
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Ricardo Wayne Gardner is a Jamaican former professional footballer. He works as assistant coach at Portmore United. A left winger, he could also play in the centre of midfield or at left wing-back. He last played for Bolton Wanderers in May 2012, completing a 14-year spell at the club, of which 11 were spent in the Premier League. Gardner earned 111 caps for the Jamaica national football team, scoring 9 goals and playing at four CONCACAF Gold Cups and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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