Football Season Guide

Nimes were one of six sides still in the running to win promotion to Ligue 1 on the final day of last season but ultimately missed out. They are aiming to go a little better this time around, having now played five consecutive seasons in the second flight. Leading them is head coach Bernard Blaquart, who did a fine job last time around. The squad at his disposal is largely the same as the one that went close in May, although they have lost Christian Kouakou, who did a good job of leading the attack. Ousmane Cissokho has traded Nimes for fellow Ligue 2 side Orleans after enjoying a renaissance last term, and goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon has followed him. Nimes, a side liable to play with an attacking lilt to their style, have replaced these players with quality thus far. Notably, they have gambled on Umut Bozok, a 20-year-old attacker from Marseille Consolat, who excelled in the Championnat National last season. He will have to settle quickly as Rachid Alioui, who was outstanding in the first half of last season, remains convalescing following a serious knee injury. If he comes back strong, though, Nimes will be a real force. Additionally, they have moved to re-sign winger Panagiotis Vlachodimos, who was on loan at the club 18 months ago. Also in the middle of the field, Pierrick Valdivia will have a big say in things. Larry Azouni is liable to remain the key player for Nimes in the midfield, assuming they are able to keep hold of him through the end of August. Supplementing the players already on their books is set to be a major priority, though, as they are without any depth. Another area where Nimes may be a little weak is in the defence, where they are lacking quality and numbers.