FORMER Reggae Boyz captain Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner has been released from Bolton Wanderers following the club’s relegation from the British Premier League.

The club crashed out of the league on the final day of the season after a 2-2 draw with Stoke City.

Relegation is likely to cost Bolton around £50 million in lost revenue and Gardner is among 12 players who have been released. The others are Gretar Steinsson, Paul Robinson, Sean Davis, Robbie Blake, Ivan Klasnic, Mark Connolly, Tope Obadeyi, Rhys Bennett, Dino Fazlic, Tom Eckersley and Nigel Reo-Coker.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle expressed his gratitude to Gardner and the other players for their contribution.

“I would like to thank the players that are leaving the club for their work at Bolton. We wish them all well. One of those is Ricardo Gardner, who has been with the football club for 14 years. He has offered incredible service to Bolton and I’d like to personally thank him for all of his efforts, particularly during the time I have worked with him,” Coyle said.

Gardner began his professional career with Harbour View, where he debuted as a starter at only 14-years old.

His performances for Jamaica during the 1998 World Cup attracted Bolton Wanderers, who offered Harbour View £1 million for his services.

He made his debut for Bolton as a substitute against Hartlepool in the League Cup in August 1998 and then made his league debut as a substitute against West Bromwich Albion in September of the same year.

Despite a nagging knee injury, Gardner made his 400th appearance for Bolton in a 3–0 defeat to Fulham in April last year.