“A risky appointment” – Charlton Athletic reveal major incoming: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Charlton Athletic announced the appointment of Ben Garner as the club’s new manager on a three-year contract this afternoon, as per the club’s website.

The 42-year-old replaces, now AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson, ahead of the 2022/23 season, leaving Swindon Town on the look-out for a new boss in the process.

Garner led the Robins to a sixth placed finish in League Two last term and will try to implement a possession-based brand of football at The Valley.

We gathered the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers to see if they believe it is a good appointment and where that leaves Charlton heading into next term…

Billy Mulley

I think this is an excellent appointment, and given that there is a significant chunk of summer left too, I think Charlton fans have every right to be excited by this one.

Playing an exciting style of attacking, front-footed football within a 4-3-3 system at Swindon, I think this can definitely be replicated at The Valley.

It is also a massive boost that Charlton have recruited a project-based manager with a clear ideology, whilst he could be a vital figure when it comes to using the Football League pyramid to his advantage.

Garner’s arrival could also elevate Charlton’s position when it comes to player recruitment at Swindon, with the likes of Harry McKirdy, Louie Barry, Akin Odimayo and even Jojo Wollacott representing examples who could make the step up and bolster competition levels at The Valley.

The rest of the summer will be the biggest indicator as to whether I can see them