RICARDO GARDNER

Ricardo Gardner

Stats

Born: St Andrews, Jamaica

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 11st

Playing Position: Midfielder

Previous Club: Harbour View (Jam)

Profile

Capable of playing at full back or on the left side of midfield, Ricardo Gardner joined the Wanderers for a Ł1m fee in August 1998.

He entered the top flight of Jamaican football as a 14 year old when he made his debut for his only club, Harbour View, in Kingston.

He was still a schoolboy when he made his international debut in 1996 and has already made over 30 appearances for his county. He was a regular in the Jamaican side that went six games undefeated to qualify for France 98 and he was then an integral part of their side for the finals.

Whilst awaiting a work permit he was still involved in international football, playing four games as Jamaica reached the final of the Shell Cup.

His debut came for the Wanderers on a wet and windy Tuesday evening at Hartlepool in the 2nd Leg of the Worthington Cup coming on as substitute for the final twenty minutes. His league debut came in dramatic fashion at the Hawthorns, scoring the winning goal with just two minutes remaining on the clock. He had come on as substitute for the last twenty five minutes.

His first start was in the Wanderers home win against Birmingham on September 12th. He scored in the 2nd round of the Worthington Cup against Hull.

He looked settled at the start of the new season and has put some excellent performances together on the left side of the midfield. He is mixing more with the players and has scored some spectacular goals including the winner in the Wanderers 1-0 win over promotion hopefuls Huddersfield in October.

International duty means he is missing for the month of February.

Returned early from international duty and in the last match of February picked up an injury to his knee ligaments and he missed the rest of the season.
But he is back, and he is even better than he was before, with his tricky winging skills, he will put fear into any defence.