Football / Bristol Rovers
Ben Garner appointed as new Rovers manager
Experienced coach Ben Garner has been revealed as the new manager of Bristol Rovers.
Garner’s task will be to ensure that the club continue a fine run of form this season that has taken them to fourth place in League One.
He replaces former manager Graham Coughlan, who surprised fans by quitting the club earlier this month to join League Two’s Mansfield Town.
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In a video published on Rovers’ social media, Garner said: “I think we can build something special here and the fans are a massive part of that.
I”‘ve been here for games, I’ve spoken to people who have played for and managed the club, and everybody speaks so highly as the Gasheads as supporters.
“So for me it’s moving forward together with lots of positivity and taking this club as far as we can go.”
Garner was most recently assistant head coach for Indian Super League Club, ATK, working alongside Steve Coppell.
The 39-year-old, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Memorial Stadium started his career with Crystal Palace’s Academy and was later promoted to the first-team staff under the guidance of Ian Holloway.
He rejoined former Palace boss Tony Pulis at West Bromwich Albion in 2015 as his assistant manager, helping the club to a 10th place finish in the Premier League.
Rovers CEO, Martyn Starnes, said that Garner was “the outstanding candidate” for the role.
He said: “Ben has a wealth of experience in the game and we look forward to supporting Ben is his role here at the club.
“Ben has a great record of working with younger players and we are keen for the close ties between the first-team and Academy to be expanded further, showcasing a pathway for young players.
Club president, Wael Al-Qadi, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Ben to the club and wish him every success in the role.
“I’m sure that the fans will get behind Ben and the team as they look to resume the fine form achieved over recent weeks.”
Read more: Bristol Rovers manager Graham Coughlan set to depart club
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