Charlton Athletic part company with Ben Garner after only six months in charge at The Valley

CHARLTON ATHLETIC have parted company with manager Ben Garner despite appointing the former Swindon Town manager on a three-year contract in June.

The club are sitting in seventeenth-place in the League One table, having picked up five wins, nine draws and six defeats.

Charlton Athletic owner Thomas Sandgaard said in a statement: “We would like to thank Ben for his hard work and commitment to the job. In his time at Charlton, the club have achieved some stand-out results, including big wins against some of the better teams in this league.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to sustain a consistency of results and our league position and recent form have left us in a situation where we had to act to give ourselves the best opportunity to get the most from this season as well as building a positive and winning environment for future years.

“We wish Ben the best for the future. Our search for a new manager has begun.”

First-team coach Anthony Hayes has been appointed caretaker manager, assisted by Jason Pearce.

The Addicks are seven points clear of the relegation zone and suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Cheltenham Town last Friday, the winning goal being scored by former Hythe Town striker Alfie May.

Charlton Athletic travel to League Two side Stockport County on Wednesday night for a FA Cup Second Round Replay - on a run of six games without any win in any competition.

Visit Charlton Athletic's website: www.cafc.co.uk