Portsmouth rivals sack boss after poor start to League One campaign

Pompey League One rivals Bristol Rovers have sacked manager Ben Garner.
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The 40-year-old was dismissed following Rovers’ 4-1 home defeat to Fleetwood yesterday.

That loss left them 18th in the league, with three wins in 11 fixtures this season so far.

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Pompey are scheduled to make the trip to the Memorial Stadium on December 29, for their last match of 2020.

Bristol Rovers boss Ben Garner was yesterday sacked by Pompey's League One rivals. Picture: Harry Trump/Getty ImagesBristol Rovers boss Ben Garner was yesterday sacked by Pompey's League One rivals. Picture: Harry Trump/Getty Images
Bristol Rovers boss Ben Garner was yesterday sacked by Pompey's League One rivals. Picture: Harry Trump/Getty Images

By which time it is highly likely a new man will be at the helm, with head of recruitment Tommy Widdrington taking charge of the first-team on a temporary basis.

Former West Brom assistant manager Garner took over from Graham Coughlan in December 2019, but won six of his 33 matches in all competitions.

It represented his first managerial job, yet he was dismissed 90 minutes after Saturday’s defeat, which left Rovers three points above the relegation zone.

A club statement said: ‘The club would like to thank Ben Garner for all his hard work and wish him the very best of luck for the future.’

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