Ben Garner is set to depart Swindon Town to join Charlton Athletic and there has been a mixed reaction among Swindon fans.

South London Press reported on Tuesday evening that Swindon's head coach was leaving for the Addicks, catching many in Wiltshire by surprise.

There were three main schools of thought in the immediate aftermath from Town fans, with some annoyed that Garner would leave so abruptly, others worried about what it might mean about the club moving forwards, and then many chose to trust in the set-up at the club.

A reasonable group of fans felt betrayed by the former Bristol Rovers manager as he had seemed to be a big part of the project that Clem Morfuni was building, and leaving at the first opportunity made many believe they had been misled by him.

Glen Waite said on Twitter: “If Garner leaves at the first approach after what Clem and the club have given him a chance to do then good riddance, bring in someone more committed!”

Then there were those who worried that this move might mean something for the direction of the club as Garner is leaving at a time where Swindon are discussing contracts with many players and could unsettle those negotiations.

Scot Munroe said on Twitter: “This is a kick in the teeth. Starting to worry a little bit about next season now.”

And many added to this their fear that Garner may look to bring several players with him, like Harry McKirdy, Louis Reed, and Jonny Williams.

But there was a strong group that chose to believe in the vision of Ben Chorley and Morfuni that they spoke about upon their arrival at the club last summer.

Mark Bevan said on Twitter: “Oh well, that's life. In Chorley, Rob, Clem we trust!”

On the Charlton end there was a lot of negativity and disappointment at the news that Garner would be replacing Jonnie Jackson in the Valley dugout.

Many fans responded to the news saying that they were happy that this was revealed before they had renewed their season tickets and there was a general feeling that this appointment lacked ambition.

Steven Britchford said on Twitter: “Well that has just saved me £600 by not renewing our season tickets.

@marklay11 added: “Well, made my decision. Not going to The Valley next season (after nearly 50 years on and off). Had enough. Maidstone Utd and the National League. At least a club with some ambition.”