Crystal Palace have parted ways with first-team coach Ben Garner ahead of the Eagles’ third season in the Premier League, as revealed by Richard Cawley of the South London Press.
Garner has played a pivotal in Palace’s recent success in the first team after being appointed to the position by Ian Holloway, at the end of the 2013/14 season after previously working closely with Gary Issott in the academy. He was offered a new role by the club, seeing him work closely with the academy players who are on the verge of first-team action, but the coach wished for more of the same or an increased role at the club.
Speaking to the South London Press, Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish had the following to say about Garner’s departure from the club: “Alan (Pardew) wanted to do something slightly different.
“We offered Ben a role linking academy players to the first-team and he said he wanted to work day-to-day coaching and would rather go than take the new role.
“It is all very amicable. Ben wants to get a manager or assistant manager’s role. We wish him nothing but the best. He has a great future in the game and we will miss him.”
The popular coach used to be on the books at Selhurst Park, before picking up an ankle injury as a teenager which subsequently put an end to his footballing career. He then moved on to coaching and was part of the coaching staff at the Crystal Palace academy, working with Gary Issott to bring more talented players through the ranks.
Garner played an instrumental role in bringing through young talents such as Victor Moses and John Bostock as well as working with recent Liverpool signing Nathaniel Clyne.
The popular coach has a degree in sport and exercise science as well as recently completing his UEFA Pro Licence. He has previously spoken about his desire to get into football management in the future. It remains to be seen who will replace Ben Garner as the Eagles’ pre-season campaign begins.
