Ricardo Gardner was a “dream” to work with at Wanderers, according to former boss Sam Allardyce.

Gardner made more than 400 appearances for the Whites during a memorable 14-year spell at the club.

The pair were reunited over the weekend for the Generations Cup, an event hosted by Darwen FC to pay homage to the history of the FA Cup.

Allardyce managed Turton for the day along with his son Craig, and Gardner got the chance to play for his former boss once again.

“We needed a bit of a celeb to play in the Turton side and he was only too willing to turn out for us in what has been a really good cause,” Big Sam told The Bolton News.

“Bibi is still looking pretty fit. Unfortunately, we didn’t get through but a really good afternoon. And good to see some of the old Preston lads I used to play with as well. It has been a good day.”

Turton beat Liverpool Ramblers 9-0 in their opening fixture but failed to qualify for the final at St George’s Park next month following a 2-1 defeat against Preston North End.

The Bolton side, featuring the likes of John McGinlay, Nicky Hunt and David Lee, also failed to qualify for the final.

They drew 2-2 against a Blackpool side featuring Rickie Lambert and Colin Hendry among others, before losing out against Darwen.

Allardyce assembled a star-studded side during his Wanderers days and believes Gardner’s contributions went under the radar at times.

“He was a dream. I still don’t know why he didn’t get his testimonial. I was very disappointed with that,” he added.

“If they are listening to this, I have got time to give him the opportunity because he spent 15 unbelievable years with Bolton Wanderers in his playing days.

“There was never one minute’s trouble in the entire 15 years he was with us. He was a very good professional and considering how young he was when he came over from Jamaica, leaving his family and settling in Bolton, doing what he did was absolutely magnificent.

“Of course, there were a lot of players who were held in much higher esteem because they were big names like Jay Jay (Okocha), Fernando Hierro, Youri Djourkaeff, Nicolas Anelka, Gary Speed, all those big boys. Dioufy (El Hadji Diouf), Stelios.

“But Bibi was one of the mainstays for year after year.”

The Bolton News: Gardner made more than 400 appearances for the WhitesGardner made more than 400 appearances for the Whites (Image: PA)

Gardner was a popular figure among Wanderers fans and was part of the squad that finished sixth in the Premier League during the 2004/05 campaign to secure European qualification.

The 44-year-old has nothing but positive things to say about his time with the Whites and says Big Sam kept the squad together like “a family”.

“Whenever he calls it is difficult for you to say no. I was in straight away when I heard him on the line,” he said with a smile.

“A great manager. He would get the best out of you. He managed you well, he would keep a very competitive environment which is always good at every football club.

“He kept us together like a family. He was great, it was a great experience working for him. If you look at what he did with Bolton, it is always great memories when you look back.”

Big Sam makes sure to keep an eye on the current Bolton side and has been impressed by their strong form of late.

The former boss is hopeful they can continue to climb the League One table and push for promotion come the end of the season.

“Another clean sheet this week shows that they are getting both ends of the game right. Just that one goal got them the very important three points,” he explained.

“You put together a good defensive record with a good attacking team and you get to the top of the league.

“It is pretty simple that way, but it is not simple actually getting the players to do it. That is all down to the manager and the coaches.”

Gardner has also kept an eye on Wanderers’ progress this term and is pleased to see where the club is now after their troubles in recent years.

“I have been following the results and I think we are on a great run,” he added. “If we continue like that towards the rest of the season then who knows? We could be promoted and be on the right path again.”