ChristopheVAFC

VAFC: It goes without saying, Pierre Blois will see out the season. No one at VAFC is saying anything, but everyone has known for quite some time that Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater will see out their mission in the National league. Everyone has known for a long time: VA has decided to entrust its National league team to the duo of Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater until the end of the season. They were promoted in February to replace Stéphane Moulin at short notice. Initially, it was only supposed to be a short interim arrangement. "There's the requirement for coaching qualifications (the BEPF is mandatory to coach in the National league, which neither of them has) which will force us to recruit. So, it will only be a temporary solution," assured Mathieu Frison, still in his role as sporting coordinator. Internal Change of Direction The internal change of direction has absolutely nothing to do with his recent departure. He is primarily focused on the excellent results achieved by the duo, under whose guidance the team is averaging two points per game, a pace befitting a promotion contender. Both are local products, perfectly embodying the image the club has been trying to project since Sport Republic took over. Pierre Blois has the profile of a modern coach, everything to please, except that he was unable to register for the next BEPF coaching certification session. While supporters are now openly dreaming of the duo's return next season, VA prefers to maintain a silence on the matter, clearly a sensitive issue given the €7,500 fine they are now incurring for each match. Before the match against Aubagne, Pierre Blois described to us how his contract was being extended week by week. "We debrief, we review the performance, it's not a formality." The issue resurfaced on Thursday: has he been appointed to remain in place until the end of the season? Rather than answer, the interim manager preferred to leave the decision to the club's management. This silence, in itself, amounted to confirmation. FLEURY – VALENCIENNES, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Robert-Bobin Stadium, Bondoufle.

Link of the match; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kis8zmA_WlU

News from Valenciennes. Following last Friday’s victory over FC Versailles, it’s been a somewhat turbulent week for VAFC with the announcement that sporting director Mathieu Frison is leaving. I think Sport Republic is quietly preparing us for next season. With SR’s aim to spend less and, above all, spend more wisely. A change in strategy that I hope will pay off next year. On the pitch, it’s match day for Valenciennes, who are away to FC Fleury 91, who beat us 2-0 in the first leg at the Stade du Hainaut. If they win tonight, Valenciennes will officially secure their place in Ligue 3 for next year. Even though, as of today, before tonight’s match, survival is 99% certain, we’ll need to pick up as many points as possible until the end of the season. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time. Have a lovely day, everyone!

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well? Congratulations on last night’s win – it’s just amazing! But who can stop this incredible run? I can’t see anyone today, and you’re well on your way to the play-offs – or perhaps even further, who knows! No one would have bet a penny last December on the incredible work of Tonda, his staff and your players! Well done to you all! Today, here in Valenciennes, a surprise announcement was made on the club’s website less than an hour ago: the departure of Mathieu Frison, the sporting coordinator, who himself had replaced Ben Chorley. Here is the club’s statement: VAFC Press Release: Departure of Mathieu Frison VAFC announces the departure of its sporting coordinator, Mathieu Frison. The club would like to thank Mathieu Frison for his commitment and the work he has done during his time here. VAFC wishes him every success in his future career. Jean-Christophe Cesto will take over his role under the leadership of Johannes Spors, sporting director of the Sport Republic group and Southampton FC. I must admit it comes as a surprise, as nobody saw this departure coming. From now on, we’ll be managed on the sporting side by a stand-in and Mr Johannes Spors, who’s already with you, so that reassures me. We’ll see if this change pays off, but if we can get better players for next year, that would be a very good thing. Have a lovely day, friends.

Congratulations again my friend ! Let's go to the 18' ! ❤️🤍

Great result tonight !

Manning ! 🔥🔥❤️🤍

And 1 ! 🔥🔥 #COYR ❤️🤍

So, to summarise my trip: initially, going back to Southampton was a personal project; I came here with a friend two years ago and, having had a great time, I wanted to return. Originally, I was planning to stay from Friday to Saturday to watch the lads’ match against Ipswich Town on Good Friday and the girls’ match against Sheffield on Saturday lunchtime. In the end, I couldn’t make it to the girls’ match as I had to postpone my visit from Saturday to Sunday, but I was lucky enough to be there for the match against Arsenal. I arrived on Saturday morning – here’s the photo I shared with you – and went to the club shop. At 1 pm I went for a bite to eat at The Dell pub, then returned to my hotel to rest a bit before heading to the match. After the match, I went back to the hotel and rested until check-out at around 12 pm on Sunday. Out of curiosity, I wanted to visit the training ground, and I think the fact that I’d come from France and am from Valenciennes certainly helped me get a tour of the centre – nothing more, nothing less After the visit, I watched the U14 girls’ match on the artificial pitch, then headed back to Dover for the return journey to France. That’s it

I can see you’re trying to pick on things when you’ve actually run out of things to say about the player – it’s a real shame! (Yes, Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater are doing a great job, and that must really annoy you) Save your energy, my fellow countryman, to support our team and wish them all the best! And if you don’t like what’s happening in Valenciennes, there are two other clubs 45 and 70 km from Valenciennes that would be delighted to welcome you...

End of the match now. Valenciennes win 1-0 tonight 😍 Scorer: Samir Belloumou. Allez VA ! ❤️🤍

Ready for the game in Stade du Hainaut. Allez VA ! ❤️🤍

Hello, my friend. Thank you for your best wishes for tonight’s match. I came for two days last weekend and watched the match against Arsenal. What an incredible match! I also visited your training ground, which is huge! I had a perfect two days and a brilliant time!

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well! After a brilliant weekend last week in Southampton, I’m back in Valenciennes. First off, congratulations again on your 15th and 16th unbeaten matches (against Arsenal and Wrexham). Now is really the time to give it your all in this final stretch! I’m really rooting for you! Here in Valenciennes, we still need a few more points to mathematically secure our place in National (League 3 next year). Last weekend’s defeat against Quevilly Rouen isn’t too serious, but we still need to pick up the remaining points as quickly as possible. Valenciennes therefore have the chance to pick up points tonight at home at the Stade du Hainaut when they host FC Versailles. As I announced yesterday, we have unfortunately lost Rento Takaoka for the rest of the season following an injury whilst on international duty with Japan. No other absentees at the moment. A win tonight and we’ll be (almost) safe. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time. The match link is below: Good day all ! Allez VA !

Injured, Rento Takaoka ends his season with VAFC The season is over for Rento Takaoka! Having suffered a stress fracture in his foot whilst on international duty with Japan’s U19 side last March, the Japanese international has brought his spell with VAFC to a premature end. He will be remembered Having arrived last summer on loan from Southampton, he will forever remain the first Japanese player in the club’s history to have played for the first team. Scoring a brace in his very first home match for VA on 15 August 2025 against Le Puy (2-1), he will be remembered for his generosity and his constant smile. Thank you for everything, Rento After playing 16 matches and scoring three goals for the first team, the striker will continue his recovery in Japan. VAFC would like to thank Rento for his time at the club and wishes him all the best for the rest of his career.

Let's go to 16 !!

Wow. Man City. Force to you ! COYR ! ❤️🔥

Wow. Man City. Force to you ! COYR ! ❤️🔥

Hello, everyone. My sincere congratulations on yesterday’s fine victory. Building on Tonda Eckert’s outstanding work, you knocked the Gunners out. Yesterday, I saw a solid performance from a united team that fought for every ball. Even when Arsenal were pressing hard, you showed great solidarity. You didn’t have many shots on goal, but it was enough to see you through. Come on lads, just seven league games and two cup matches left to finish the season in the best possible way. Happy Easter Sunday to you all. COYR ! 🔥

My friend, Im Back 😍😍

Good evening, everyone. Valenciennes’ unbeaten run has come to an end with a 3-2 defeat away to Quevilly Rouen. I didn’t see the match, so I can’t really comment on it. It’s a shame, as the team could have moved a step closer to securing their place in the league... Have a good evening, everyone, and see you tomorrow 😁😁

Hello everyone! Tomorrow is one of the most important matches of your season! Against a Premier League side that’s always a tough opponent. I genuinely believe Southampton have a real chance for several reasons: - 14 matches unbeaten: one of the best runs in England and Europe! - At home: Playing at home, in front of a sold-out crowd of over 32,000 fans, the atmosphere will be incredible! - Arsenal’s absentees: The Gunners currently have a lot of players out, including several regular starters. - Momentum: Tonda Eckert’s players are brimming with confidence, and the goal of a 15th consecutive unbeaten match is firmly in their minds! - The ‘extra’ objective for the club: Even though all eyes are on the end-of-season play-offs, being just two matches away from a cup final is a great incentive to play for. My heart goes out to you, your club and your players, and I’ll be at St Mary’s to cheer on the Saints. I’ll be experiencing this event just like you, and I sincerely hope for a good result tomorrow night! I can’t wait to be there, friends! I'm ready !! #COYR and Allez VA !

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well on the eve of one of your biggest matches of the season. News from Valenciennes: Following last Friday’s 0-0 home draw against Aubagne (who parked the bus and came away with a point), we’re now heading to the Stade Robert Diochon to face Quevilly Rouen Métropole, who are second from bottom in the league. As for VA, we reckon they need two more wins to officially secure their place in National 1 (in Ligue 3 next year). Facing an opponent who don’t want to be relegated, it won’t be easy, but the Stade Robert Diochon holds fond memories for VA: - Two years ago, the club beat FC Rouen at this very stadium to reach the semi-finals of the Coupe de France. - Last January, again at the same venue, VA faced FC Rouen in the league; the home side, who were league leaders at the time, were beaten 2-1 by Valenciennes. The bad news: Rento Takaoka has been ruled out with an injury sustained whilst on international duty. We don’t know the extent of his injury, but I hope he’ll be back soon! The match kicks off at 7.30 pm French time and the link to the match is below: I’ll be sharing articles from today’s press with you throughout the day. Allez VA !

End game before few minutes. Non win tonight... 0-0.

Good match everyone ❤️🤍