Charlton Athletic appoint Ben Garner as first-team manager – and he’s promising ‘attacking football’

Charlton Athletic have confirmed the appointment of Ben Garner as their new first-team manager.

The 42-year-old, who cut his coaching teeth coming through the academy ranks at Crystal Palace before spells in charge of Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town, has been handed a three-year contract.

Garner succeeds Addicks fans’ favourite Johnnie Jackson, who left at the start of May and has subsequently been appointed by AFC Wimbledon.

Charlton have paid compensation to release Garner from his deal at Swindon Town. He guided the Wiltshire side to the League Two play-offs last season but they lost on penalties in their semi-final against Port Vale, who went on to seal promotion at Wembley.

Garner’s team had the highest possession in League Two as well as being top for number of shots, goals scored, most away wins and the most away points. They also reached the FA Cup third round for the first time in 10 years, losing 4-1 to Manchester City at the County Ground.

“It feels fantastic to be here,” said Garner. “I’m really pleased and can’t wait to get going. 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.

“Attacking football is what I believe in, that is how I think football should be played and I will be looking to implement that from day one, both home and away. There is no differentiation in terms of how we prepare, how we will play, we will be consistent and we want to attack.

“We want to have the ball as much as possible, creating chances, scoring goals and being on the front foot, playing with lots of energy without the ball. I want the team to be positive and confident, I want the fans to enjoy coming to watch us play.”

Garner is the third managerial appointment made by Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard since he acquired the club in September 2020.

“We are obviously striving for a much better season,” said the US-based Danish businessman. “We will have the best chance of success by creating more chances and scoring more goals than we did last season. Ben’s track record for playing attacking football matches that. 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. 

“Our intention is to get all our teams, through all the age groups, playing with an attacking style. I’m really looking forward to watching Ben implement that style with the men’s first team next season and integrating our young talent.” 

Garner will meet the Charlton squad for the first time when they return for pre-season next Thursday, before they jet off for a week-long training camp in Spain on Saturday, June 25. 

The Addicks are also set to bring in Garner’s first-team coaches at Swindon – Scott Lindsey and Scott Marshall. They have been negotiating compensation for the pair.

PICTURE: CHARLTON ATHLETIC FC