Joe Garner

Blackburn Rovers

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. 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

On 19 January 2007, Garner joined Carlisle United on loan until the end of the 2006–07 season. 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. 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. His powerful shot, from well outside the box, at Port Vale on 7 April 2007 was voted goal of the season by United fans.…

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

As of match played 27 January 2024

Preston North End

Football League One play-offs: 2015 Carlisle United

EFL League Two play-offs: 2023 Oldham Athletic

National League play-offs: 2025 Individual

PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2014–15 League One PFA Team of the Year: 2014–15 League One Football League One Player of the Year: 2014–15 Football League One top scorer: 2014–15 Football League Goal of the Year: 2014–15 Preston North End Player of the Year: 2013–14 Preston North End Players' Player of the Year: 2013–14