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.
5. Josh Ginnelly
Ginnelly joined on loan from Preston North End, who had signed from Walsall. He played nine times and scored once, but was not re-signed for the next season. He joined Hearts, making just 10 appearances, but was re-signed on a permanent deal and remains at the Edinburgh club to this day. | Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
6. Jamal Blackman
Blackman had several loan moves from parent club Chelsea, before he was released eight separate loan spells. He was signed in January and quickly became first-choice after an injury to Anssi Jaakkola. He made 10 appearances, keeping three clean sheets. He’s now the first choice keeper at Exeter City. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
7. Timmy Abraham
The younger brother of Tammy Abraham - one-time Bristol City loanee. Abraham joined from Fulham and played four times without scoring a goal. He joined Plymouth Argyle and played even less, before a move to Raith Rovers. Newport County gave him a chance but he failed to score a goal, but was later reunited with Mike Flynn at Walsall. He is now on loan at Oldham Athletic. | Getty Images Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
8. Josh Grant
Josh Grant is one a few players left at the club from the days of Garner. He’s out for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign however after twice undergoing surgery. | Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images