Colchester United have appointed Ben Garner as the club’s new manager.
The U’s had been on the lookout for a new boss after losing Matt Bloomfield to Wycombe last week, with Garner appointed earlier today.
The move sees Garner return to football after being sacked by Charlton in December, just six months after taking over at The Valley following his time at Swindon Town.
Garner was in charge of the Addicks for the 4-4 draw with Ipswich back in October and was sent to the stands following his protests over Town’s second goal, whipping up the home support as he left the bench.
He joins a Colchester side who had moved themselves away from relegation trouble under Bloomfield, now sitting 19th in the table and nine points clear of the dropzone, following a heavy recruitment drive in January.
📺 If you missed the first interview with Ben Garner, it's now available to watch in full on our YouTube channel. #ColU | #WeAreUnited
— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) March 2, 2023
Garner will watch the U’s game with Bradford on Saturday before taking over next week.
The new boss told Col U TV: "I'm delighted to get the opportunity to come and be here at Colchester.
"It came round just over a week ago now and there's been some really good conversations with members of the board and staff at the club.
"A big attraction for me was the structure in place and the vision moving forward and I can't wait to get started and looking forward to the opportunity.
"I knew the club in terms of playing here several times.
"I knew the stadium and the environment and experienced the support here and how the stadium feels, if you like.
"Once the conversations start, you start doing your background checks and your due diligence on the club.
"With the questions that I've asked and requirements I would look for moving forward have been really positive, in terms of the conversations that we've had.
"I think there's real potential now and I think I'm taking the job at a really good time and the right time, in order for us all to move the club in the direction that we want to go.
"This season is make sure we stay in the division, make sure we're solid for next year - and then it's look forwards."
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