Allardyce eyes Gardner

They say stick with what you know, and whoever 'they' are Sam Allardyce is certainly listening.

According to the Daily Mirror the West Ham boss is considering a move for former Bolton defender Ricardo Gardner who has been released by the Trotters following a 14-year spell at the club.

Now it is true that the left-back spot has been something of an issue for Allardyce, but is a 34-year-old who has just been realised by a struggling Championship side really the man for the job? No, no he is not. But in Allardyce’s eyes presumably the prospect of linking up with Gardner again after an 8 year stint together at Bolton is too much to turn down.

George Mcartney is the Hammer’s first choice left back, but is in danger of missing the rest of the season through injury. Allardyce did pick up Emmanuel Pogatetz, who is capable of playing at left back, on loan in January but is obviously keen on a little more left sided action.

Gardner would join a long list of ex-Bolton players plying their trade at Upton Park including Kevin Nolan, Matt Taylor and Jussi Jaskeleinen.  

Allardyce’s side host Tottenham tonight in Monday’s Premier League clash so with Gareth Bale in such scintillating from it will probably be the Hammer’s right-back who finds himself more in the spotlight for the evening at least.

Jack Johnson