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Joe Garner
Joe Garner
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Joseph Alan Garner (born 12 April 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL League Two club Oldham Athletic.

Key Information

Garner started his career with Blackburn Rovers before joining Carlisle United. Garner had a three-year spell with Preston North End, where he made over 150 appearances and won the 2015 Football League One play-off final. Garner had previously moved to Wigan Athletic in 2018 and played there until 2020.

Club career

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Blackburn Rovers

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Born in Blackburn, Garner started his career at then Premier League club Blackburn Rovers and playing as a striker played in the same position as his namesake Simon Garner, Blackburn's highest-ever goalscorer and club legend during the 1980s and early 1990s. Contrary to some stories, the two are not related. He played for the youth and reserve teams at Ewood Park and was a prolific scorer at youth level, his record including scoring two hat tricks in one game against Manchester United U16.[4] Despite Blackburn having high hopes for the player, Garner did not make the breakthrough into the Blackburn Rovers senior squad due to competition for places in the Blackburn line up with players such as Paul Dickov, Paul Gallagher, Craig Bellamy, Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz forcing Garner to drop down two divisions in search of regular first team football.

Carlisle United

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On 19 January 2007, Garner joined Carlisle United on loan until the end of the 2006–07 season.[5] Garner scored his first ever league goal for Carlisle United at Brunton Park on 10 February 2007, in a game against Yeovil Town, which Carlisle went on to lose 4–1.[6] On 17 March 2007, he scored and was sent off in a 1–1 draw with Huddersfield Town at Brunton Park, receiving a second yellow card for diving after a tackle from former United goalkeeper Matt Glennon.[7] His powerful shot, from well outside the box, at Port Vale on 7 April 2007 was voted goal of the season by United fans.[8] Despite initial resistance to a permanent deal from the Blackburn Rovers management,[9] Garner eventually signed permanently for Carlisle United on 10 August 2007 for a club record fee of £140,000, which could rise to £150,000 if United gain promotion to the Championship.[10] Scottish Premier League side Dundee United were also interested in signing Garner, before he joined Carlisle United.[11]

Nottingham Forest

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On 25 July 2008, less than a year after joining Carlisle, Garner was sold to Nottingham Forest for a fee of £1.14m.[12] He signed a four-year contract, keeping him at the Reds until 2012. He was recovering from a knee ligament operation at the time of the transfer. Garner returned from his injury in late October 2008, when he started in a 1–0 home defeat to Cardiff City.[13] He then scored his first goal for the club three weeks later, scoring the first goal in a 2–2 draw at Bristol City.[14] A further two weeks later, he scored his first goal at the City Ground in Forest's 1–0 victory against Barnsley,[15] and followed this up with another goal at Coventry City.[16] He then netted a 'majestic' 35-yard chip in a 2–0 victory at Southampton,[17] before scoring his fifth of the season in the 4–2 home loss against Doncaster Rovers,[18] a result which cost the Forest manager Colin Calderwood his job.[18] After the arrival of new manager Billy Davies at Forest on 1 January 2009, Garner struggled to hold a regular first-team place during the remainder of the season and was limited to mainly substitute appearances.[citation needed] However, Garner netted his first goal under Davies with a crucial 83rd-minute equaliser against Bristol City on 11 April 2009, a game that ended in a 3–2 Forest win.[19]

The beginning of the 2009–10 season saw Garner forge his way into Davies' plans, playing on the right side of midfield occasionally. He scored his first goal of the 2009–10 season on 17 April 2010 against Blackpool.[20] His second and last of the season was a 'cool finish' against Scunthorpe United, in a game that finished in a 2–2 draw.[21] He made 14 league starts during the season. Due to then Forest manager Billy Davies preferring other striking options, Garner spent almost the entire 2010–11 season out on loan with a spell at Huddersfield Town and then Scunthorpe United. On 21 July 2010, Garner joined League One side Huddersfield Town on a six-month loan deal.[22] He made his Terriers debut in the 3–0 win over Notts County at Meadow Lane on 7 August 2010.[23] He failed to score during his time at Huddersfield, and on 5 January 2011, he returned to Forest.[24] After making no appearances for Forest upon his return, Garner joined Scunthorpe United on loan until the end of the 2010–11 season on 31 January 2011.[25] Davies went on record stating that the move to United was to give Garner playing time.[26] He scored twice in Scunthorpe's 4–1 win against league leaders Queens Park Rangers on 9 April 2011.[27] Scunthorpe finished bottom of the Championship league table and were relegated,[28] and Garner returned to Forest at the end of the 2010–11 season. The following season, with a depleted number of striking options available to new manager Steve McClaren, Garner made his first appearance for Forest in over a year coming on as a second-half substitute against Barnsley.[29]

Watford

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On 31 August 2011, Garner signed for Watford for an undisclosed fee[30][31] believed to be £200,000.[32] Garner stated that he was 'desperate for first-team football',[33] while manager Sean Dyche said that he hoped he could 'revitalise' his new striker.[34] Garner made his Watford debut as a substitute in a 2–0 away win against Reading, replacing Marvin Sordell, on 10 September 2011.[35] His first start came[citation needed] on 24 September 2011 against his old club Nottingham Forest, a game which Watford lost 1–0.[36] His first and only goal for the Hertfordshire club came in a 2–0 away win at Millwall on 31 January 2012.[37]

Garner signed a one-month loan deal with Carlisle United on 18 September 2012, confirming his second spell with the club.[38] Garner scored his first goal after his return to The Cumbrians in a 2–1 victory away at Walsall.[39] Carlisle manager Greg Abbott stated his desire to extend Garner's stay at the club,[40] and a deal was agreed soon after.[41] On 16 October, Garner scored a late equaliser for Carlisle in a 1–1 away draw at Bury.[42] He then scored two against Oldham Athletic to help his side win 3–1 on 23 October.[43] After a goal in the 4–2 FA Cup win over Ebbsfleet United,[44] Garner opened the scoring in a 1–1 draw against Preston North End with a penalty.[45] Later that week, Garner scored against Brentford and had a penalty saved by Brentford goalkeeper Simon Moore.[46]

Preston North End

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On 8 January 2013, Garner agreed an 18-month contract with Preston with an option for a further year. Garner supported Preston as a boy, attending games in the Town End stand.[47] This came after he was released by Watford. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win away at Notts County on 12 March 2013. On 27 November 2013, in an away fixture at Port Vale, Garner was involved in a scuffle with Vale's Anthony Griffith, but the referee Andy Madley sent off Neil Kilkenny by accident instead. Garner controversially went on to score both goals in a 2–0 victory at Vale Park. Following the debacle the red card was switched from Kilkenny to Garner and a 3 match ban followed, despite Vale player Anthony Griffith stating that he was never struck by Garner. On 20 December 2013, Preston exercised the option of the further year contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2015, after he had hit a rich vein of form which began with a late header against Tranmere at Deepdale. On 14 January 2014, Garner came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute of Preston's FA Cup game against Ipswich and scored a hat-trick, including 2 goals in the space of 1 minute to help them to a 3–2 win. He scored a "terrific 25-yard volley" to equalise against Rotherham United in the play-off semi-final first leg,[48] but Rotherham won the second leg to progress to the final. On 14 March 2015, Garner scored 4 goals for Preston in a 5–1 rout of Crewe.[49] On 16 June 2015, Garner signed a further three-year contract with Preston North End. In the following 2015–2016 season, with Preston North End now back in the Championship, Garner grabbed his 100th career goal in a 2–1 victory at home to Charlton Athletic.

Rangers

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On 20 August 2016, Garner signed a three-year contract with Scottish Premiership side Rangers.[50] The fee for the move was estimated to be around £1.8 million.[51] He made his debut on 26 August 2016, away to Kilmarnock, coming on as a substitute after an injury to Joe Dodoo.[52] On 10 September 2016, he scored his first goal for the club, albeit only a consolation, in a 5–1 defeat against Celtic.[53] Despite a debut Old Firm goal, Garner failed to net again for the club in over six weeks until he headed an equaliser in Rangers' 1–1 draw at home to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on 26 October 2016.[54] He followed this with his third Rangers goal in the next match, scoring the third in a 3–0 win over Kilmarnock three days later.[55] His scoring streak would not continue and Garner failed to score in the succeeding matches which led to criticism from Rangers fans over his goal return while Neil McCann, a media commentator and former Rangers player, questioned his suitability with the starting formation.[56]

However, by mid-December 2016, Garner's energetic performances managed to win over the Rangers fans[57] and they adopted the song Glad All Over by band The Dave Clark Five as a tribute to him then launched a late campaign to make the song the Christmas number one, with it eventually reaching number 31.[58] Garner started his third Old Firm match on Hogmanay 2016 but left the field after being injured in the buildup to Rangers' goal, being replaced by Martyn Waghorn after sixteen minutes.[59] On 3 January 2017, it was reported he would be sidelined for one to three months with a dislocated shoulder,[60] although later reports indicated Garner could return in early February 2017.[61] Garner scored his first hat-trick for the club in a 6–0 victory over Hamilton Academical in a Scottish Cup quarter-final match on 4 March 2017.[62]

Ipswich Town

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On 16 June 2017, Garner left Rangers to join EFL Championship side Ipswich Town[63] with the fee reported to be £1m.[64] He scored his first goal for Ipswich on his debut in a 1–0 win over Birmingham City on 5 August 2017.[65] He scored 10 goals in 32 appearances during his debut season at Ipswich.[66]

Wigan Athletic

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On 9 August 2018, Garner signed for Wigan on a 2-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[67] He left by mutual consent on 30 December 2020.[68]

APOEL

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On 1 January 2021, Garner signed for APOEL on an 18-month contract.[69] he made his debut for APOEL coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against Anorthosis Famagusta. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–2 away win over Olympiakos Nicosia making the score 1–3 . He also scored a hattrick against Nea Salamis Famagusta in a 3–1 victory.

Fleetwood Town

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On 30 August 2021, Garner signed for Fleetwood Town on a free transfer, linking up with his former boss Simon Grayson. He scored his first league goal for the club on 30 October in a 3–3 draw against Wycombe Wanderers.[70]

Carlisle United

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On 19 January 2023, Garner returned to Carlisle United on an eighteen-month deal.[71]

Oldham Athletic

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On 31 January 2024, Garner joined National League club Oldham Athletic on an eighteen-month contract.[72]

International career

[edit]

Garner has represented England at under-19 level.[8] During the 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship elite qualification, Garner scored in a 2–1 loss to the Belgium under-19s[73] and also made appearances against Northern Ireland under-19s[74] and Serbia & Montenegro under-19s.[75] Garner also appeared in an under-19 friendly against the Netherlands.[76]

Career statistics

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As of match played 27 January 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[a] League Cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Blackburn Rovers 2006–07[77] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Carlisle United (loan) 2006–07[77] League One 18 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 5
Carlisle United 2007–08[78] League One 31 14 2 0 1 0 1[c] 0 35 14
Nottingham Forest 2008–09[79] Championship 28 7 2 1 0 0 30 8
2009–10[80] Championship 18 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 21 2
2010–11[81] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2011–12[82] Championship 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 0
Total 48 9 3 1 4 0 0 0 55 10
Huddersfield Town (loan) 2010–11[81] League One 16 0 0 0 1 0 2[c] 0 19 0
Scunthorpe United (loan) 2010–11[81] Championship 18 6 0 0 0 0 18 6
Watford 2011–12[82] Championship 22 1 2 0 0 0 24 1
2012–13[83] Championship 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
Total 24 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 27 1
Carlisle United (loan) 2012–13[83] League One 16 7 2 1 0 0 0 0 18 8
Preston North End 2012–13[83] League One 14 0 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 15 0
2013–14[84] League One 35 18 5 5 2 0 3[d] 1 45 24
2014–15[85] League One 37 25 2 0 0 0 5[e] 2 44 27
2015–16[86] Championship 41 6 1 0 2 0 44 6
2016–17[87] Championship 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0
Total 129 49 8 5 5 0 9 3 151 57
Rangers 2016–17[87] Scottish Premiership 31 7 2 3 1 0 34 10
Ipswich Town 2017–18[66] Championship 32 10 0 0 0 0 32 10
Wigan Athletic 2018–19[88] Championship 33 8 0 0 0 0 33 8
2019–20[89] Championship 27 2 0 0 0 0 27 2
2020–21[90] League One 11 3 1 1 1 2 1[f] 1 14 7
Total 71 13 1 1 1 2 1 1 74 17
APOEL 2020–21[91] Cypriot First Division 11 8 4 1 0 0 15 9
Fleetwood Town 2021–22[91] League One 18 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 19 5
2022–23[91] League One 20 1 0 0 2 0 2[f] 2 24 3
Total 38 5 1 1 2 0 2 0 43 8
Carlisle United 2022–23[91] League Two 19 2 0 0 0 0 3[g] 0 22 2
2023–24[91] League One 23 3 1 1 0 0 2[f] 0 26 4
Total 42 5 1 1 0 0 5 0 48 6
Career total 525 139 26 13 16 2 20 4 587 161
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup, Cypriot Cup
  2. ^ Includes Football League Cup/EFL Cup, Scottish League Cup
  3. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  4. ^ Two appearances and one goal in League One play-offs, one appearance in Football League Trophy
  5. ^ Three appearances and one goal in League One play-offs, two appearances and one goal in Football League Trophy
  6. ^ a b c Appearance in EFL Trophy
  7. ^ Appearances in League Two play-offs

Honours

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joseph Alan Garner (born 12 April 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for club Athletic. Garner began his professional in the youth system of his hometown club Blackburn Rovers, making his senior debut on loan at Carlisle United in the 2006–07 season, where he scored five goals in 18 appearances. He signed permanently with Carlisle United in August 2007, scoring 18 goals across all competitions in his first full season (2007–08). On loan from to Carlisle United in 2012, he scored three goals in 10 appearances. In January 2013, Garner joined Preston North End, where he enjoyed his most successful period, scoring 25 goals in the 2014–15 League One season—including the League One Player of the Season award—to help secure promotion to the via the play-offs. He moved to side Rangers in 2016, becoming a cult hero among fans despite modest overall success; in his debut season, he contributed 20 goals across all competitions, including key strikes in the . Garner represented at youth international levels (U16, U17, U19). After spells with Town (2017–18) and Athletic (2018–20), he played for APOEL (2020–21) and Fleetwood Town (2021–23), before returning to Carlisle United (2023–24). He joined Athletic in January 2024 on an initial short-term contract, extended in June 2025 until December 2025; as of the 2025–26 season, the 37-year-old remains a squad member. Throughout his career, Garner has been noted for his physicality, aerial ability, and never-say-die attitude, amassing over 550 senior appearances and more than 145 goals across various leagues.

Early life

Upbringing in Blackburn

Joseph Alan Garner was born on 12 April 1988 in , , . Growing up in the town, Garner was raised in a family that showed strong support for his interests, though specific details about his parents or any siblings remain limited in public records. Despite Blackburn's prominence as the home of Rovers, a major club in English football, Garner's family were dedicated supporters of local rivals Preston North End, making regular trips to to watch matches during the club's push for promotion to the in the early 2000s. This exposure to the raucous atmosphere around matchdays, particularly the vibrant energy in the hours leading up to kickoff, left a lasting impression on the young Garner and fueled his early passion for the sport. Blackburn's deep-rooted football culture, centered on community ties and intense local rivalries, provided a formative environment that nurtured his enthusiasm before he entered structured training. As a boy, Garner dreamed of emulating Preston players like and , reflecting how watching professional football in his hometown sparked his ambition to pursue the game. His parents' encouragement further reinforced this , setting the stage for his later involvement in local scouting systems.

Entry into professional football

Joe Garner began his formal football development by joining the Blackburn Rovers youth academy, his hometown club, where he progressed through the various age groups as a promising striker. Born and raised in , Garner's entry into the academy built on the local football culture that his family encouraged during his early years. Throughout his time in the , Garner established a prolific scoring record, consistently netting around 30 goals per season across the academy teams, including at the under-18 level. His goal-scoring prowess drew attention from scouts, highlighting his potential as a clinical finisher even in competitive environments. One standout performance came in a youth match against United's under-16 side, where Garner scored six goals in a 9-0 victory, showcasing his dominance in key fixtures. He further advanced to the , maintaining a strong that underscored his readiness for higher levels. These consistent displays culminated in Garner signing his first professional contract with Rovers in 2006 at the age of 18.

Club career

Blackburn Rovers (2006–2007)

Joe Garner signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club, Blackburn Rovers, in 2006 at the age of 18, marking the transition from the club's youth academy to the senior setup. Despite this step forward, Garner did not make any first-team appearances for the outfit during the 2006–2007 season, remaining on the fringes of the squad. Opportunities were scarce owing to fierce competition in the forward positions from seasoned players, including , who topped the club's scoring charts with 18 Premier League goals that term.

Carlisle United (2007–2009)

On 19 January 2007, Garner joined Carlisle United on a loan from Blackburn Rovers until the end of the 2006–07 season, marking his first substantial exposure to senior football. During this spell in League One, he made 18 appearances and scored 5 goals, contributing to Carlisle's promotion push while adapting to the demands of full-time professional play after limited opportunities at his parent club. His debut came against Crewe Alexandra, and he quickly showed promise as a physical forward blending pace and finishing. A highlight of the was Garner's first goal, scored on 10 February 2007 against Yeovil Town in a 1–4 home defeat; he volleyed home from close range after a cleared free-kick fell to him, demonstrating his opportunism despite the loss. This strike, his fifth appearance for the club, underscored his rapid integration into the senior squad under manager John Ward, where he transitioned from youth ranks to competing in competitive matches. The period provided essential experience in maintaining fitness and tactical discipline in a promotion-contending side. Following the , Garner completed a permanent transfer to Carlisle on 10 August 2007 for a club-record £140,000 fee, rejecting interest from to commit to League One. In the 2007–08 season, he featured in 31 appearances, netting 14 goals and forming a productive partnership with forwards like Karl Hawley. His output included a first brace against in September 2007, helping secure a 3–1 victory and highlighting his growing confidence in the full-time environment. This breakthrough campaign solidified his role as a key attacker, contrasting his peripheral status at and paving the way for further progression.

Nottingham Forest (2008–2011)

On 25 July 2008, Nottingham Forest signed Joe Garner from Carlisle United for a club-record fee of £1.14 million, with the 20-year-old forward agreeing to a four-year contract. This transfer marked a significant step up to the Championship level for Garner, who had impressed with his goal-scoring prowess in League One. During his time at Forest from 2008 to 2010, he made 48 league appearances and scored 9 goals, often competing for a starting place amid a competitive forward line under managers Colin Calderwood and Billy Davies. Despite showing flashes of potential, Garner's form was inconsistent, limiting him to sporadic starts and substitute roles as Forest aimed for promotion. Seeking regular playing time, Garner joined Huddersfield Town on a six-month loan on 21 July 2010. In League One, he featured in 16 league matches but struggled to find the net, ending the spell with 0 goals as Huddersfield pushed for promotion under manager Lee Clark. The loan provided Garner with valuable experience in a lower division but did little to reignite his scoring touch, highlighting ongoing challenges in adapting to different tactical setups. He returned to in January 2011 without securing a permanent move. Later that month, on 31 January 2011, Garner was loaned to Scunthorpe United until the end of the season to aid their survival battle in the Championship. He made an immediate impact, appearing in 18 league games and scoring 6 goals, including a brace in a crucial 4–1 victory over league leaders Queens Park Rangers on 9 April. His contributions helped Scunthorpe finish 18th and avoid relegation, earning praise for his work rate and finishing ability during a testing campaign. Despite this upturn, Garner's inconsistent performances at Forest led to his departure from the club in the summer of 2011.

Watford (2011–2013)

Garner transferred to from Nottingham Forest on 31 August 2011 for an undisclosed fee, widely reported as £200,000, signing a two-year contract. He made his debut shortly after, coming off the bench in a 2–0 defeat to United on 10 September 2011. Over the 2011–12 season, Garner featured sporadically, contributing to 's mid-table finish under manager , though his integration was hampered by competition from established forwards like and . In the 2012–13 season, Garner's opportunities at diminished further due to persistent injuries and a dip in form, limiting him to just three league appearances without scoring. On 18 September 2012, he returned to former club Carlisle United on an initial one-month loan to regain match fitness in League One. The deal was extended twice—first to 20 November and then to the maximum 93 days ending 19 December—allowing Garner to make 16 appearances and score 8 goals, including key strikes in victories over Bury and that aided Carlisle's survival push. Despite the productive loan, Garner's challenges with injuries and limited impact at persisted upon his return, leading to mutually cancel his contract on 7 January 2013, making him a . In total across his tenure, he recorded 24 appearances and 1 goal, reflecting a transitional period marked by adaptation struggles in the second tier.

Preston North End (2013–2016)

Joe Garner joined Preston North End on a free transfer from on 8 January 2013, signing an initial 18-month contract with an option for an additional year. As a lifelong supporter of the club, he quickly integrated into the squad in League One, contributing to a stable and prolific attacking line under manager . Over his three-and-a-half-year stint, Garner made 151 appearances across all competitions, scoring 57 goals while helping Preston secure promotion to the . His consistent performances earned him multiple contract extensions, including deals through 2015 and 2016, underscoring his importance to the team's push for elevation. The 2014–15 season marked Garner's most productive campaign at Preston, where he emerged as the club's top scorer with 25 goals in League One, the highest tally in the division. His clinical finishing and physical presence were pivotal in Preston's third-place finish, leading to the League One play-offs. Garner scored crucial goals in the semi-final against Chesterfield, including a penalty in the second leg to secure a 3-0 aggregate victory. In the play-off final at on 24 May 2015, he headed home the third goal from a corner, helping Preston to a dominant 4-0 win over Swindon Town and earning promotion to the after a decade in the third tier. Following promotion, Garner's form continued in the during the 2015–16 season, where he netted key goals despite the team's mid-table position. However, tensions arose over his , with disputes delaying potential moves and leading to his departure in 2016. His time at Preston represented a high point, blending personal achievement with collective success and solidifying his reputation as a reliable goalscorer in English football's lower divisions.

Rangers (2016–2017)

On 20 August 2016, Joe Garner joined Rangers from Preston North End on a three-year contract for a reported fee of £1.8 million, marking the club's first significant investment in a striker following their promotion to the . This high-profile transfer positioned Garner as a statement signing, intended to provide a physical, goal-scoring presence in attack amid fan expectations for an immediate impact in Rangers' bid to challenge Celtic's dominance. However, adapting to the intensity and physicality of Scottish football proved challenging, as Garner later reflected on the unique pressures of playing at Ibrox. In the 2016–17 season, Garner made 31 appearances and scored 7 goals, contributing sporadically but struggling for consistency. He began promisingly with early strikes, including his first goal for the club in a 5–1 loss to Celtic in September and a winner against Partick Thistle, which helped build initial optimism. Yet, his form dipped markedly as the campaign progressed; by late November, he had managed only three goals in 12 outings, drawing criticism for missed opportunities and drawing bookings for his combative style, which sometimes overshadowed his output. A highlight came in March 2017 with a second-half in a 6–0 victory over Hamilton Academical, propelling Rangers to the semi-finals, but such moments were rare amid broader struggles to meet the lofty expectations set upon his arrival. Garner's tenure ended in June 2017 when he departed Rangers for side Ipswich Town on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £1 million, allowing both parties to part ways after a season of unfulfilled potential. The move highlighted the difficulties of his adaptation, as Rangers sought to refresh their under new management while Garner returned to familiar English football.

Ipswich Town (2017–2018)

On 16 June 2017, Joe Garner transferred from Rangers to Ipswich Town in the for a reported fee of £1 million, signing a three-year contract. He quickly integrated into the squad under manager , who valued Garner's physicality and goal-scoring instincts as a centre-forward. Garner marked his debut with a goal in a 1–0 victory over Birmingham City on 5 August 2017, heading in a cross from in the 50th minute to secure the opening-day win at . During the 2017–18 season, Garner made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists while accumulating 2,573 minutes on the pitch. His double-digit tally, including strikes against teams like Sunderland and Preston North End, contributed significantly to Ipswich's mid-table finish of 12th place in the Championship, helping maintain stability in a competitive league. Despite missing the latter part of the season due to a head injury sustained in March 2018, Garner's consistent starting role and aggressive pressing style complemented McCarthy's direct tactical approach. Garner's time at Ipswich ended in August 2018 when he transferred to Athletic for an undisclosed fee, reported around £1.25 million, allowing the club to recoup their investment after one season.

Wigan Athletic (2018–2020)

Garner joined Athletic on 9 August 2018, signing a two-year contract from Town for an undisclosed fee. The move reunited him with manager , under whom he had previously played at , and positioned him as a key forward option in the . Over his tenure from 2018 to 2020, Garner made 75 appearances and scored 17 goals across the and League One, providing physical presence and occasional moments of clinical finishing despite inconsistent team form. The 2019–20 season proved particularly challenging for , culminating in administration on 1 July 2020 after the club's owner failed to repay loans, which triggered an immediate 12-point deduction by the EFL. This penalty dropped Wigan from a potential mid-table finish to the relegation zone, sealing their demotion to League One despite a final-day draw against . Garner featured in 28 league matches that season, scoring two goals, including efforts that briefly kept survival hopes alive amid the off-field chaos. The administration led to widespread player departures and wage deferrals, disrupting squad stability and Garner's rhythm. Following relegation, Garner extended his stay with a new one-year deal in summer 2020 and assumed the captaincy under manager John Sheridan. In the early 2020–21 League One campaign, he rediscovered form, netting seven goals in 14 appearances, including a run of five in six games that aided Wigan's push away from early-season struggles. However, ongoing financial turmoil from the administration prompted his departure by mutual consent on 30 December 2020, allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere as the club navigated ownership changes and cost-cutting measures.

APOEL (2021)

On 1 January 2021, Joe Garner joined APOEL Nicosia on a free transfer from Athletic, signing an 18-month contract and reuniting with former manager . During the 2020–21 season, he made 11 league appearances and scored 8 goals, demonstrating his scoring prowess in a new environment. Garner quickly made an impact, notably netting a in a 3–1 victory over Nea Salamis on 14 February 2021, which helped APOEL climb to seventh in the standings at that point. His goals contributed to the team's overall push, as APOEL finished seventh in the final league table with 53 points, securing a position just outside the championship playoff group. This efficient scoring rate marked a productive, albeit brief, chapter abroad for the striker. In August 2021, Garner mutually agreed to terminate his contract with APOEL early, allowing him to return to after just eight months in . The decision was driven by his desire to resume his career closer to home.

Fleetwood Town (2021–2023)

On 30 August 2021, Garner signed for Fleetwood Town on a free transfer from APOEL, agreeing to a two-year contract and reuniting with manager , his former boss at Preston North End. Over the next 18 months, Garner served primarily as a squad player in League One, making 43 appearances and scoring 8 goals amid a spell marked by steady but limited contributions. Injuries significantly hampered his involvement, including a shoulder problem in November 2021 that sidelined him for three months and restricted him to just a handful of starts in his debut season. In the 2022–23 campaign, Garner's role shifted toward impactful substitute appearances, where he netted crucial goals to aid 's mid-table push, including efforts that helped secure points in tight matches despite ongoing fitness challenges. His tenure ended on 19 January 2023, when mutually terminated his contract, enabling a permanent move to Carlisle United until the end of the 2023–24 season. During his time at the club, Garner made 43 appearances across all competitions and scored 8 goals overall.

Carlisle United (2023–2024)

On 19 January 2023, Joe Garner rejoined Carlisle United on a free transfer from Fleetwood Town, signing an 18-month contract that would run until the end of the 2023–24 season. This marked his return to the club where he had previously played from 2007 to 2009, bringing experience as a veteran striker to bolster the squad during their League Two promotion push. During the remainder of the 2022–23 season, Garner quickly integrated into the team, making 19 league appearances and scoring 2 goals in League Two, while also featuring in 3 play-off matches without finding the net. His physical presence and hold-up play proved vital in the forward line, contributing to Carlisle's strong finish that secured a play-off spot. Garner played a key role in the promotion campaign, starting in the semi-final second leg against Bradford City, where he helped set the tone for the 3–1 extra-time victory (3–2 aggregate) through his link-up play and aerial duels, despite the goals coming from an , , and Ben Barclay. In the League Two play-off final at on 28 May 2023, he started up front alongside Jack Diamond, providing a focal point in attack during the 1–1 draw with Stockport County, which Carlisle won 5–4 on penalties to earn promotion to League One. In the 2023–24 season, now in League One, Garner continued as a regular squad member, appearing in 20 league matches and netting 3 goals before his departure, along with outings in the and . Overall, across his second spell at Carlisle from January 2023 to January 2024, he made 45 appearances and scored 5 goals in all competitions, aiding the club's transition to the higher division. Garner left the club on 31 January 2024 via a free transfer.

Oldham Athletic (2024–present)

On 31 January 2024, Joe Garner joined Oldham Athletic on a free transfer from Carlisle United, signing an initial 18-month contract until the summer of 2025. In his time at the club up to June 2025, Garner made 29 appearances and scored 7 goals across the National League during the latter half of the 2023–24 season and the full 2024–25 campaign. Garner's contributions proved pivotal in Oldham Athletic's successful 2024–25 season, culminating in their promotion to League Two via the National League play-offs. He scored in each of the three play-off matches, including a crucial equalizer in the 2025 final against Southend United, which Oldham won 3–2 after extra time on 1 June 2025 at . This victory marked Oldham's return to the after two seasons in . Following promotion, Garner featured in the opening matches of the 2025–26 League Two season, scoring 1 goal in 3 appearances. In June 2025, he extended his contract by six months until 31 December 2025. Garner has since expressed his desire to remain with the club beyond that date, stating in November 2025 that he hopes to prolong his Oldham career and sign a at .

International career

England under-16 and under-17

Garner earned his first international recognition with the under-16 team in the 2003–04 season, making 4 appearances and scoring 4 goals in a series of friendlies and tournaments. His call-up was a direct result of his prolific scoring record in the Blackburn Rovers academy, where he consistently netted around 30 goals per season at youth level. Progressing to the under-17 level in 2004–05, Garner featured in 10 appearances, scoring 5 goals, including key contributions in the qualifiers and the finals tournament in . In the qualifiers, he scored the decisive goal in a 3–1 win over on 26 March 2005. During the finals, he became England's top scorer with 3 goals in two matches, including one against in a 4–0 victory and two against in a 2–3 loss.

England under-19

Joe Garner represented at under-19 level during the 2005–2006 season, making 6 appearances and scoring 3 goals. His involvement included competitive fixtures in the qualifiers, where he contributed to the team's efforts in the elite qualification round. One notable contribution came on 18 May 2006, when Garner scored 's goal in a 1–2 defeat to during the elite qualification match at Stade Luc-Varenne in . This goal, his only recorded strike in the qualifiers, highlighted his role as a forward in the squad alongside players like and . faced further challenges in the group, including a 2–1 victory over , but failed to advance to the final tournament. These under-19 caps marked Garner's final international appearances at level, after which he shifted focus to his burgeoning club career with Preston North End. Despite showing promise as a prolific striker—building on his earlier goals at under-16 and under-17 levels—Garner received no call-ups to the senior team throughout his professional career.

Playing style

Physical attributes and technique

Joe Garner stands at a height of 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) with a sturdy build weighing approximately 74 kg, enabling him to compete effectively in physical battles on the pitch. Despite his relatively modest stature for a striker, Garner has demonstrated strong aerial prowess, often winning duels through timing and leap, which has been described as surprisingly effective for his frame. His robust physique also supports proficient hold-up play, allowing him to function as a target man by shielding the ball and linking with teammates under pressure. As a right-footed forward, Garner excels as a poacher with sharp finishing instincts, particularly within the where he has proven lethal on the ground. His technique emphasizes clinical positioning and quick reactions to capitalize on chances, contributing to over 150 career goals that underscore his predatory nature in the box. Garner's high work rate is evident in his relentless pressing to disrupt opposition build-up from deep, complemented by an aggressive approach in physical confrontations that frequently results in fouls drawn or bookings received. This combative style, averaging around seven yellow cards per season across his career, reflects his commitment to winning duels and maintaining intensity throughout matches.

Role as a striker

Joe Garner has primarily operated as a target man and poacher in the lower tiers of English football, excelling in direct play systems that leverage his ability to hold up the ball and finish in the box. At Preston North End, where he scored 27 goals during their 2014–15 League One promotion campaign, Garner was deployed as a focal point for long balls, using his aerial strength—despite standing at 5 ft 10 in—to win headers and create opportunities for teammates. His role as a "big target man" was praised by manager , who noted Garner's physicality in battles with defenders, though he occasionally drew fouls without rewards. Similarly, during his early stint at Carlisle United from 2007 to 2008, Garner contributed 5 goals in 18 appearances on loan in 2006–07 to help secure promotion from League Two, followed by 14 goals in 2007–08 as a poacher thriving on service into dangerous areas. Garner's career evolved from a fringe squad player to a pivotal goal threat during promotion pushes, particularly in high-stakes play-off scenarios. Initially challenged at Nottingham Forest, where he scored 9 league goals in 48 Championship appearances between 2008 and 2011 amid injuries and limited starts, Garner transformed into a clutch performer upon joining Preston in 2013. His iconic 25-yard volley in the 2014 League One play-off semi-final first leg against Chesterfield—a breathtaking strike that helped secure a 3–0 second-leg win—earned widespread acclaim as one of the finest goals in EFL play-off history. This moment exemplified his growth into a reliable finisher under pressure, contributing to Preston's eventual promotion via the play-off final. Garner revisited this role upon rejoining Carlisle in 2023, where his experience as a target forward helped secure League Two promotion through the play-offs, including key contributions in the semi-finals against Bradford City despite not scoring in the final. While Garner's lower-league success solidified his reputation, he faced criticisms for inconsistency at higher levels, particularly during spells at Rangers and Nottingham Forest. At Rangers in 2016–17, signed for £1.8 million as a proven goalscorer, Garner managed 7 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions, drawing scrutiny for missed chances and adapting to a more possession-based system under . Warburton defended him against early detractors, calling the criticism "short-sighted," but Garner's form waned, leading to a disappointing tenure marked by a high-profile in the against Hamilton yet overall underperformance relative to expectations. Similarly, his time at Forest was hampered by injuries and tactical mismatches, resulting in loans and limited starts, which highlighted struggles against defenses demanding greater technical finesse. Despite these setbacks, Garner has been lauded for his journeyman reliability, consistently finding roles at clubs like Fleetwood Town and Athletic while delivering timely goals in promotion battles. His physical attributes, including acceleration and work rate, have sustained a 17-year professional career, making him a dependable option in direct, physical setups even into his mid-30s; in 2025, at age 37, he scored in all three National League play-off matches for , including a penalty equalizer in the promotion final against Southend United on June 1, securing their return to the EFL.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Joe Garner married in 2017. The couple have children, including a baby girl born in 2024. Garner's family accompanied him during his move to Rangers in 2016. Garner tends to keep his out of the public eye.

Community involvement

In 2025, Garner launched Soccer HQ Preston, a facility offering elite-level coaching for children aged U4 to U13, emphasizing skill development and pathways to academy football in collaboration with local clubs. Garner has also supported awareness in football by engaging with educational programs that address stress management among young people. In 2022, while at Town, he participated in a question-and-answer session with pupils at a local school as part of the Headstart Programme run by the Town Community Trust, where he shared insights on coping with pressures in professional sports. This involvement highlights his commitment to using his experiences to promote well-being in the sport, drawing from challenges encountered earlier in his career, such as during his stint at Rangers.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Joe Garner's club career spans multiple English leagues, , , and a stint in the National League, accumulating 530 appearances and 140 goals in league competitions across all clubs as of November 2025. These figures encompass his contributions from youth loans to senior spells at various clubs, primarily as a forward. In all competitions, including cups, he has made 588 appearances and scored 161 goals during this period. The following table provides a breakdown of Garner's league appearances and goals by club:
ClubLeague AppearancesLeague Goals
Carlisle United10731
Nottingham Forest489
241
Preston North End12949
Rangers317
Ipswich Town3210
Wigan Athletic7113
APOEL64
Fleetwood Town385
Oldham Athletic348
Other (loans)103
Total530140
A breakdown by major competitions highlights his experience across divisions, with a focus on the and League One:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
24142
League One25080
317
Other (League Two, etc.)811
Total (League)530140
Regarding transfers, clubs have paid a total of approximately £5 million in fees to acquire Garner throughout his career, with outgoing fees remaining minimal in his later years, often involving free transfers or undisclosed amounts. Key incoming fees include £1.14 million from Nottingham Forest in 2008, £1.8 million from Rangers in 2016, and £1 million from Ipswich Town in 2017.

International appearances and goals

Joe Garner represented England exclusively at youth international levels, accumulating 20 caps and scoring 12 goals across the under-16, under-17, and under-19 teams between 2003 and 2006. His appearances were primarily in qualifiers and friendlies, with notable contributions in campaigns. Garner never earned a senior cap, as his career trajectory emphasized consistent club performances in lower leagues rather than pursuing higher international opportunities. The following table summarizes his record by age group, including a breakdown of fixture types where documented:
Age GroupAppearancesGoalsFixture Types (Examples)
Under-1644Friendlies and qualifiers (2003–2004)
Under-17105Qualifiers (e.g., vs. , & , , , , ); Finals (e.g., vs. , , in 2005 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where he scored 3 goals as top scorer)
Under-1963Elite qualifiers (e.g., 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, including a goal in a 2–0 win) and friendlies (2005–2006)
Garner's youth international selections stemmed from his prolific form at Blackburn Rovers' academy, though his record remained modest compared to contemporaries who progressed to senior levels.

Honours

Club achievements

During his time at Preston North End, Garner was part of the squad that won the 2015 Football League One play-off final, securing promotion to the after a 4–0 victory over Town at . This achievement marked the end of Preston's long play-off drought and elevated the club to the second tier of English football. Garner contributed to Carlisle United's success in the 2023 EFL League Two play-off final, where the team defeated Stockport County 5–4 on penalties following a 1–1 draw, earning promotion to League One. His involvement in key moments, including a diving header in the match, underscored the team's resilience in reaching the English Football League's third tier. In 2025, Garner helped Oldham Athletic clinch the National League play-off final with a 3–2 extra-time win against Southend United, returning the club to League Two after a three-year absence from the Football League. His penalty in the final was a pivotal equalizer, highlighting his role in the dramatic comeback that sealed promotion.

Individual accolades

In the 2007–08 season with Carlisle United, Garner was awarded the club's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year after scoring 18 goals in all competitions. Joe Garner earned recognition for his prolific scoring and impact during key seasons at Preston North End. In the 2013–14 campaign, he was voted the club's Player of the Year after netting 24 goals across all competitions, helping Preston reach the League One play-off semi-finals. The following season, Garner's form peaked with 25 goals in League One, earning him the Sky Bet League One Player of the Year award at the 2015 Football League Awards, as well as the Football League Goal of the Year for his stunning 25-yard volley against Rotherham United in May 2014. He was also selected for the 2014–15 PFA League One Team of the Year by fellow professionals. Earlier in his career, Garner's transfer from Carlisle United to Nottingham Forest in July 2008 for a fee of £1.14 million set a club record for the highest sale, underscoring his rapid rise after joining Carlisle for £140,000 from Rovers the previous year. Garner was frequently nominated for monthly honors, reflecting his consistent performances at both Carlisle and Preston, including shortlistings for League One Player of the Month in October 2007 with Carlisle and November 2014 with Preston.

References

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