Ben Garner set to renew rivalry with Bristol Rovers as he takes up new job in League One

Bristol Rovers are set to meet with former boss Ben Garner again next season as their league rivals Charlton Athletic close in on his appointment.

The Addicks, who will come up against the Gas next season, were on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Johnnie Jackson, who has since become manager of Wimbledon.

Their three-week search has seen them land on Garner, who recently went through play-off heartache, losing to Darrell Clarke’s Port Vale on penalties.

A report from the South London Press says that Garner has agreed to take the Valley hot seat in his second chance of management in League One.

Charlton have agreed a deal including agreeing on compensation with Swindon with confirmation expected shortly as they look for a return to the Championship after two seasons away.

First-team coaches Scott Marshall and Scott Lindsey will be making the moves with Garner from across the County Ground to south-east London, though neither were with him

The 42-year-old was given his first opportunity in senior management at Rovers in 2019, replacing Graham Coughlan, who left for Mansfield Town.

He spent less than a year in the role, taking the club to a 14th-placed finish in a truncated campaign, before being relieved of his duties in November 2020 with the club in 18th at the time of his sacking.

His departure ultimately led to Paul Tisdale’s hiring but he lasted just three months before leaving and then being replaced by Joey Barton, who oversaw the relegation to League Two.

Garner got one over his former club last season, winning 3-1 upon his return at the Memorial Stadium in October 2021, before a 1-1 draw in January.

Swindon ultimately ended up finishing below Rovers with Barton guiding his side to a third-placed finish whilst Garner’s men took up the final playoff spot, finishing seventh in League Two. He did that having assembled a squad almost from scratch, taking over on July 21 and signings seven players before their first match.

At Swindon, he oversaw 56 games, winning 28, drawing 12 and losing 16, giving him a win percentage of 50.0% during his time with the southwest side.