

Europa League, MLS, Turkey: What happened to Ben Garner’s 21 Bristol Rovers signings in pictures
In just under a year and just 33 games, Ben Garner had recruited almost two starting XI’s
Bristol Rovers were denied of a reunion with Ben Garner after Charlton Athletic sacked him. The Addicks had decided that a defeat to Cheltenham Town - leaving them 16th in League One - was what tipped the board over and believed they'd be better suited to finding a new boss.
Garner had only been in the post at The Valley for six months, and chose to leave Swindon Town to take up the role. The 42-year-old led the Robins to a League Two play-off spot, but lost to Port Vale on penalties. His time at the County Ground is the longest he's been afforded time in his role.
He claimed that he wasn't given the 'necessary time' to take Charlton forward in his parting statement. Garner was tasked with an overhaul at the South London club and was given the resources to sign eight new players. His job was similar to the one at Rovers, though during his time at the Memorial Stadium, he had signed seven players in his first full month in charge.
In total, he signed 21 players, including one twice, having been impressed by his first spell. Out of the 21 players recruited, only four of them remain at the club today, with another making a sensational return earlier this summer.
Fortunately, all players have found a home, as any free agent will tell you, the longer you remain out of the game, the harder it is to get back in. A whole host of players have headed to Scotland, whilst others have gone as far as Turkey, as well as the United States. Let's take a look as to what these former Rovers players are up to these days.

1. Josh Barrett (King’s Lynn Town)
Signed from Reading for an undisclosed fee in January 2020, he was his first signing after taking over. He played seven games before the 2019/20 campaign was curtailed. Barrett now plays in the National League North with King’s Lynn Town, reuniting with former director of football Tommy Widdrington. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

2. James Daly
The forward was signed on Deadline Day from Crystal Palace - Garner’s former club - on a two-year deal. Daly would have to wait until October until he scored his first goal, only scoring three further goals. He was released and joined Stevenage, failing to score a league goal, and is now at Woking. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images

3. Cian Harries
Signed from Swansea City in January 2020 for an undisclosed fee after a loan at Dutch club Fortuna Sittard. Harries made 56 appearances in total for the Gas, but following the arrival of James Connolly in January 2022, found himself out of favour. Harries is now at Swindon Town, and played against his former club in the EFL Trophy this season. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images

4. Jayden Mitchell-Lawson
Mitchell-Lawson was signed twice by Garner, first in January and then in the summer from Derby County. He regularly featured in his first spell, scoring twice and getting an assist in his 12 matches. Mitchell-Lawson returned in the summer but only got three starts and one assist, found him out of Paul Tisdale’s plans. Mitchell-Lawson is now at Scottish Championship club Ayr United after being released by Swindon Town. Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC/via Getty Images