Former Charlton manager and Crystal Palace first team coach lands new management role

Former Charlton Athletic manager and Crystal Palace first-team coach Ben Garner has been named the new head coach of the Right to Dream International Academy.

Garner has been out of work since being sacked by League Two side Colchester last October.

Founded in Ghana, the Right to Dream academy aims to bridge the gap between their international academies (based in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Denmark and the United States) and the professional game.

West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Simon Adingra and Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard have all come through the ranks with the academy.

The 44-year-old managed Charlton on 29 occasions after joining from Swindon.

Garner said: “I hope to build on the good work that has been done, to push and to evolve the International Academy, and for us to strive to be first in class in terms of what we provide.

“The track record of the IA graduates who have gone on to play for FCN and across other clubs across the world highlights its importance in the success of Right to Dream.

Right to Dream group technical director Flemming Pedersen added: “Ben is not only a great football coach, but also a fantastic teacher. He is working with high demands but also a big involvement for both players and staff and everyone is developing a lot right now.”

“He is a very experienced football coach with experience in developing players from the Academy into the Premier League. Just what our IA players need.”