Football Season Guide

Nimes’ first Ligue 1 season since 1992-93 was an undoubted success as they attained a ninth-place finish that was beyond even their expectations at the start of the campaign. The new season, though, threatens to be even more testing. The club was boosted by the news that Bernard Blaquart had elected to stay beyond the end of last term – something that looked less than certain in May. After masterminding their promotion push, the coach was important in their success last season. They have, however, lost their two best players in the form of Teji Savanier, Ligue 1’s leading assist maker last season, and Denis Bouanga, a quicksilver winger who has moved to Saint-Etienne. Otherwise, they have seen a string of regulars from their best go, while veteran centre-back Fethi Harek has retired. Savanier has not been replaced per say, although it seems that Romain Philippoteaux from Ligue 2 side Auxerre may play his creative role. While a decent player, he would be a huge downgrade, while Zinedine Ferhat, who can play wide, would be likewise. Nimes are set to lean on one of their revelations of last season, Renaud Ripart for goals. After netting eight times in Ligue 1 last season out of the blue, he could be a vital component of their team this time around. Equally, there will be a greater weight of expectation on the likes of Antonin Bobichon, who had a breakout campaign last season that was largely unexpected. Nimes were attacking in their stance last season and are likely to be equally aggressive in their play this time around. For that reason, the defence is always likely to concede a high number of goals. Veteran Pablo Martinez has been drafted in from Strasbourg to play alongside Anthony Briancon, which seems on paper like an upgrade. Crucially, Paul Bernardoni has returned for another loan stint; the goalkeeper is one of the best young custodians in France and his contribution last term was underrated due to Nimes’ defensive record.