Born in Coventry, West Midlands, Garner began his career at Leicester City, signing a professional contract at the end of the 2007–08 season.

[2] On 21 October 2008, Garner was loaned, initially for one month and later extended, to non-league side Ilkeston Town, managed by David Holdsworth.

[6] In the four games he played over the month, Mansfield were unbeaten, conceding just one goal, with Garner scoring the winner in a 2–1 victory over Eastbourne Borough.

[11] After playing 31 times in two years, Garner was told on 27 April 2012 that he no longer had a future at the club and was subsequently released.

[13] Having struggled to hold down a first team place at Cambridge, Garner joined Lincoln City on a two-month loan on 6 October 2012.