Jimmy Mullen took over the manager's seat for 1989–90 and moved Garner into a central-midfield position, where he went on to enjoy more success in a partnership with Paul Groves, although he couldn't help the Seasiders avoid relegation to the Football League's basement division.
Under Billy Ayre, and after Blackpool's failure in the Fourth Division playoff final of 1990–91, Garner was the subject of intense transfer speculation, and it seemed almost certain that he would leave for pastures new.
However, the proposed move fell through and he remained at the club for another season, which saw another Wembley playoff final, this time ending in success for Blackpool.
Garner was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Bloomfield Road, when it was officially opened by former Blackpool player Jimmy Armfield in April 2006.
[5] After mixed results at Sheffield United, Garner followed Nigel Clough and returned to previous club Burton Albion in 2015 in a coaching role.