Football Season Guide

Brest were one of the success stories of last season, with their decision to appoint Eric Roy as their head coach confounding their many critics by being the correct one. When Roy took command in the middle of the campaign, it was seen as a backwards step, yet the Bretons finished the season impressively and carry new momentum into this campaign. They will work with broadly the same squad that brought them success last season. Franck Honorat is gone, and though one of their best players on paper, he was not at his best last term, even if a contribution of six goals and four assists was not insignificant. Brest have gambled, however, on releasing several very useful squad options, including Jean-Kevin Duverne and Haris Belkebla. New faces are relatively scattered. Veteran Jonas Martin arrives to provide steel in the heart of midfield, where Mahdi Camara has signed on a permanent basis, while Bradley Locko’s loan has been made permanent too. Brest will be unashamedly direct in their approach. They have virtually confessed this before the start of the season given they will line up with Steve Mounie and Martin Satriano as their centre forwards, with Jeremy Le Douaron another powerful player in the air. No team in Europe scored more headed goals last season and the way they are equipped presently, it would be a strong bet to suggest that they will defend that particular title. While SB29 will score goals, there are concerns that they will also give them away. Achraf Dari starred for Morocco in the World Cup but did not hit those heights domestically last season, with Lilian Brassier and Brendan Chardonnet the preferred options in the heart of the back four. Kenny Lala did not have the attacking impact they might have liked last season, meanwhile, and more will be expected of him this time around.