Football Season Guide

Le Havre required a stoppage-time penalty last season to secure safety in Ligue 1 last term, but even this was something of a success after they went into the season with major concerns over their ability to compete. Mid-season signings helped to turn the tide for Didier Digard’s side, who finished the campaign in good form and were notably good against those sides around them in the table. Over the course of the summer, they have seen some of their more expensive players depart. This is no bad thing as these men were not typically justifying their wages, yet one issue is that the whole core of the attack has left, leaving Digard to build anew here. Josue Casimir’s departure is the most pressing of these players to go. On the other hand, Le Havre have been forced to shop in the bargain basement. They have not spent a cent and have typically recruited from sides in the lower leagues. This is the case in goal where Mory Diaw and Lionel Mpasi have been recruited to compete after comparatively disappointing seasons in Ligue 2 last time out. At least Le Havre should have a fairly settled defence that looks improved thanks to the arrival of the experienced Thomas Delaine on the left. Arouna Sangante and Etienne Youte both remain at the club, having been targeted by bigger teams. Similarly, there is no shake up in the defence midfield area and Le Havre will be leaning on these players to pull their weight, particularly early in the season as the attack settles. It’s difficult to know what to expect from the forwards. Ally Samatta and Felix Mambimbi both arrive from Swiss football and are unknown quantities at this level, while fellow new addition Godson Kyeremeh has joined after a poor season with relegated Ligue 2 side Caen last term. Le Havre definitely look light here, though.