Ricardo Gardner - ap

FLORIDA, United States:

The length and quality of Ricardo Gardner's service in English football have turned more respect from British clubs towards Jamaican players.

According to Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle, the club which signed 'Bibi' as a teenager following the 1998 World Cup, Gardner's stint over more than a decade has significantly raised the profile of players from the Caribbean, which was not considered a hotbed for top footballers in the past.

In addition to proving that Jamaicans have the ability to play at the highest level, the manager added, Gardner has also shown they can cope with the rigorous demands of the professional game, making Jamaica a bigger target for talent seekers.

"What Ricardo has done, not only for smaller countries, but the Third World, for Jamaica, his country, he's surely put them on the map," said Coyle last week as Bolton underwent preseason training in Florida.

Although several other Jamaicans later followed Gardner to clubs in Britain, Coyle believes 'Bibi' must have been under pressure to succeed at Bolton

knowing he would be used as a measuring stick for those thinking about investing in Jamaicans.

"When you have smaller countries it's important that whether it be that first player, the first few make an impact, then it's a real impact," Coyle said.

He believes the 32-year-old Gardner, entering his 13th season with more than 400 appearances for Bolton, succeeded as a standard-bearer for Jamaica, through his play, longevity and conduct, which has earned him respect and made him a role model for aspiring footballers.

"You ask anybody in football throughout the world and everybody knows the name Ricardo Gardner because of what he's done consistently, and the last 10, 11 years in the premier league with Bolton Wanderers," said Coyle.

"I mean, that's all credit to him. He's really drawn himself so. He's represented both himself, his family, his country to the very highest standard.

"And, yes he's a pleasure to work with and a tremendous role model, both for the children growing up as well in Jamaica, how he's conducted himself."

different culture

Owen Coyle

Gardner acknowledged that signing with Bolton he believed he had to succeed, not just for himself, but for other Jamaicans who wanted to play in Britain. Yet it was not always easy, especially for a teenager entering a different culture.

"It's difficult to come from a far country," Gardner explained," and being all the way in England and to be doing what I'm doing. So I'm grateful and thankful for everything."

By associating him with Jamaica, Gardner's teammates have also become more aware of the quality the country can produce.

"People will recognise me and say 'how's Bibi Gardner?' because he's had that influence on the Caribbean," said Bolton captain Kevin Davies.

Gardner, who recently signed a one-year deal at the Manchester-based club, was the subject of a string of superlatives from Coyle as he prepared for the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League (BPL) campaign.

"I think as a footballer he's been truly magnificent," Coyle said. "I think it's nice to be talented, whether it be sport or whatever it is. God gives you those abilities. But for me, it's more important to be a nice person and Ricardo Gardner is up there with the very best."

Even though the former Wolmer's and Harbour View star is returning from an injury-plagued season in 2010/11, Coyle believes his skills have not diminished.

"When he's up and healthy he's such a fit lad," the manager said. "He's mobile, he's fluent, he's pleasing on the eye. He has tremendous ability."