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.

13. Zain Westbrooke
Westbrooke was signed from League One winners Coventry City and was meant to take Rovers forward, but it hasn’t worked out like that. He remains at the club, but was one of five players told he could leave in the summer. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images

14. Pablo Martinez
Signed from West Bromwich Albion after his release, joining up with the defunct development squad. Martinez made his debut under Barton in March 2021 and left making 12 appearances two season. He is now at Chippenham Town in the National League South. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images

15. David Tutonda
Signed from Barnet on a free transfer after passing his trial, Tutonda was another player that was only there for a reason. David Tutonda is back with Max Ehmer at Gillingham. | Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images

16. Brandon Hanlan
Another player signed from Gillingham, with three making the move. He scored for Wycombe Wanderers against Man City last season. Hanlan is at Wycombe still and has yet to score in League One. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images


