Football Season Guide

Brest enjoyed another strong campaign last season as they finished ninth in the league, despite also having the demands of Champions League football to contend with. They are not back in Europe, but that was not really the goal for the Breton club. Instead, they excelled at home, losing only 4 times in the league all season, and that will be something they are aiming to continue. There were doubts as to whether they would be able to retain head coach Eric Roy, but he has agreed to sign a new contract, which was a major win at the end of the season for the club. Roy’s future had been in serious doubt. Another important point of order for Brest over the summer was reducing their squad size, which had been inflated to cope with Europe. This was largely done with squad fillers on loan. These players have departed, with the exception of striker Ludovic Ajorque, who was an important figure last season due to his physicality and aerial ability. Retaining him was key. He is their sole summer signing, underlining just how much Brest’s squad has been streamlined in recent weeks. A couple of important figures have departed from the defence in the form of goalkeeper Marco Bizot and centre-back Lilian Brassier. The former has not been replaced yet while there is a shortage of central defenders, with the depth of the defence looking particularly flimsy at present. This was not an area of strength last season in any case. The midfield still looks robust. Brest have fended off interest in winger Romain Del Castillo, who is again poised to be an important figure in the attacking midfield area. Kamory Doumbia’s impact is set to be increased. He has shown in flashes how good he can be. Overall, Brest’s squad still looks light in terms of numbers, but the overall quality of player they have is generally good.