Football Season Guide

Last season, having just returned to the Ligue 2 for the second time in their history, Quevilly seriously risked being relegated, as occurred in occasion of their first spell among the professional. In fact, their campaign had been characterized by a first part, with Bruno Irles in charge, when they were heading towards a quiet salvation. Once Irles left, lured by an offer coming from the Ligue 1, they hired Fabien Mercadal and then it was a long dive towards the abyss: they won just 4 out of 19 games in 2022 and avoided direct relegation only at the very end. The relegation playouts against FC Villefranche eventually turned out to be a comfortable walk for them. Mercadal was logically let go at the end of the season and the management chose Olivier Echouafni as his replacement: after experiences at Amiens and Sochaux the latter had spent the past 6 years coaching France and Paris Saint Germain women sides. The summer not only brought a coach change but also a major overhaul of the squad with a huge number of players being released or returning to their parent clubs. The main departure is undoubtedly represented by key striker Nazon (9 goals and 1 assist), although he was quite inconsistent at times, but they also lost major protagonists in centre-back Padovani and midfielders Sidibe and Diaby. On the other hand, Jozefzoon, arrived under great enthusiasm, will not be missed. Having substantially reduced an otherwise bloated squad, Quevilly went on looking for experience both at the back, in Diedhiou, and in the middle of the park, in Bonnet. Pendant, after the end of his MLS experience, should become the new left-back while promising Hountondji should be given relevant playing time as a winger and Mafouta, coming off a mixed past season, should represent Nazon’s replacement. Good news is also that they managed to retain the services of Cissokho at the back and Soumare up-front.