Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the appointment of Ben Garner as men’s first team’s Manager on a three-year contract.
The highly-rated 42-year-old put pen to paper on the deal this week and will focus on getting the Addicks playing attacking football.
He joins Charlton after an impressive season at Swindon Town, where his side scored more goals, had more shots, more shots on target and more possession than any team in their league in 2021/22.
Speaking shortly after signing at The Valley, he said: “It feels fantastic to be here. 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."
Charlton’s CEO and Owner, Thomas Sandgaard, explained that Garner’s side’s attacking intent factored into the club’s decision to select him over many other candidates.
He said: “We are obviously striving for a much better season. 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 comes to the Addicks with a vast coaching experience across the football pyramid, that spans more than 15 years, and includes more than four years coaching in the Premier League, including a two-year spell as Assistant Head Coach at West Bromwich Albion.
He will meet the Charlton squad for the first time when they return for pre-season next Thursday. The team then travel to Spain on Saturday, June 25th for a week-long pre-season training camp.
In the meantime, Garner will work with the club’s recruitment team to make additions to the first team.
Supporters can watch Ben Garner’s first interview as Charlton Manager on the club’s website later today. Other content available later today will include interviews with Thomas Sandgaard and Director of Recruiting, Steve Gallen.
