Opinion: Charlton Athletic need to remain patient with Ben Garner – Football League World

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It’s been a steady start to life as Charlton Athletic manager for Ben Garner, as the Addicks look to close in on the play-offs.

Garner joined the Valley in the summer after a successful loan spell at League Two side Swindon Town. The 42-year-old guided Swindon to the League Two play-offs, but they were unfortunate to lose out on a place in the final after they were beaten on penalties by eventual promotion winners Port Vale.
Charlton decided to part ways with Jonnie Jackson, who was in charge at the Valley, and their search took them to the Swindon boss.
It was an inconsistent start to life as Charlton boss, with the Addicks drawing their opening game 2-2 before beating relegated side Derby County, losing to Sheffield Wednesday, and then thumping current League One leaders Plymouth Argyle 5-1.
Looking ahead a few months later, Charlton are still in that inconsistent patch, with the Addicks only winning three of their last 12 games in League One.

However, Garner’s side have been performing remarkable well in the cup competitions, as Charlton are in the second round of the FA Cup and the fourth round of the EFL Cup. Like most League One teams, Garner is going to be judged on his league performance, and while Charlton may not be where many expected them to be, there are still lots of positives to come from having Garner as manager.
Charlton are currently sat 11^th in the table on 24 points, four points adrift of the play-offs, and while the Addicks haven’t lost many times this season, they also haven’t won as many, with too many draws being a persistent theme.
However, Garner at Charlton is trying to build a side that is young, hungry, and plays football that is pleasing to the eye. Charlton don’t have a single player in their squad that is in their 30s, with the highest age being 29.

Garner brought players like Joe Wollacott, Eoghan O’Connell, Terell Thomas, and Jack Payne, who all have EFL experience, some having previously worked with Garner.
The 42-year-old has also brought in Steven Sessegnon and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi from Fulham and Crystal Palace, respectively, which again shows that the Charlton boss isn’t afraid to play young players.
Garner is trying to change the average age of the side as well as implement a style of play that makes Charlton an attacking side that loves to keep hold of the ball.
The Addicks average around 401 passes per game, with only 68 long balls per game. So, it is clear to see that Garner is trying to change the style that these players may not be used to, so while that is happening, there will be periods where results won’t go their way.

However, when it has worked, Charlton have picked up results like they have against Derby and Plymouth, so even though at times it may be frustrating, Charlton should be sticking with Garner and giving the 42-year-old the time, he needs.
His squad isn’t the finished product, so to be four points adrift at this stage is a good achievement considering the big sides in front of them. But if he’s given the time and confidence, then his time at Swindon will not be a one-off; it will happen again at the Valley.
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