Charlton Athletic end managerial search as former Bristol Rovers coach appointed

Charlton Athletic’s weeks-long has finally ended after they appointed former Bristol Rovers boss Ben Garner as their first-team manager.

The Addicks have given the former Gas boss a three-year contract, a similar length deal as to what he had at Rovers, though he was unable to see it through to its entirety.

He leaves his role at Swindon Town, which he was in post for a season, leading them to the League Two play-offs where they were defeated by eventual winners Port Vale.

“It feels fantastic to be here. I’m really pleased and can’t wait to get going,” said the 42-year-old at his unveiling at The Valley.

“Charlton is a massive football club. Both in terms of history and tradition and just as importantly in terms of potential and scope looking forwards.”

Charlton’s CEO and Owner, Thomas Sandgaard added: We were also impressed with his history of improving and developing players, his man-management and his wide range of coaching experience in the top four tiers of English football. He’s a talented, young manager, who is highly respected in the football world.”

In the statement released by the London club, they missed out his 11-month spell at Rovers, which saw him leave with an 18.8% win record. In the 33 games that he managed, he won just six, drawing ten and losing 17.

Garner succeeded Graham Coughlan and was tasked with overhauling the first-team squad, bringing the age of the team down as well as the wage bill.

His time was brought to an end though as he was relieved of his duties in November 2020, leaving them 18th at the time. He was succeeded by Paul Tisdale and later Joey Barton but neither could stop them from being relegated.

In his role as Swindon boss, he picked up four points last season when he came up against his former club. His Robins side won 3-1 at the Memorial Stadium despite falling behind early on before a 1-1 draw at the County Ground.

He will meet again with Rovers this season with the fixture list due to come out on Thursday, June 23, in what could be another intriguing encounter with their former manager.