ChristopheVAFC

Hello everyone, in the wake of the EFL’s harsh decision, I must admit I didn’t sleep well and have been thinking a lot about this whole situation... I know the SR board will try to defend themselves today during the appeal, but I have a lot of questions about the benefits and risks of this sort of practice... Ultimately, even though the EFL’s decision isn’t final, the club has lost a great deal in just a few hours because of this. - You, the supporters, are angry and disappointed - This story is making headlines all over the world - The players, who weren’t aware of it, are very angry - The club will almost certainly lose a lot of money I think the players could easily have won both matches against Boro fairly and squarely; on the pitch, we had the quality – did we not have faith in our players?

My friends, I’m devastated by this news tonight. I feel so sorry for you all...😞 The EFL’s decision is very harsh...😳 Stay strong, everyone. 🙏

“A relief that it’s over”, in Valenciennes, supporters not upset to end it The last match in Hainaut was an opportunity to meet in August, for the return of a lively and noisy stadium. This will do everyone good after a complicated season, too, in the stands. “a season to forget, a future to prepare, see you in August for new adventures. » Before transforming into Ligue 3 next season, the National experienced its last moments at the Hainaut stadium without great emotions. As since the start of 2026 and the withdrawal of the kop following the incidents in the match against Sochaux in December, the Valencia enclosure did not greatly disturb the neighbors with its fervor and we were, with a few exceptions, closer to a library atmosphere than that of a vibrating football stadium. The Valencian supporters were very disappointed with the past season and it was above all out of loyalty that they still came in numbers of more than 7,000 for a final match without any challenges. “After the change of coach it was a little better but it still remained chaotic and disappointing to finish in this place (10th) with the biggest budget in National. We’ll see next year,” whispered David, seen on the square before the match. Quickly looking ahead to the future, that was also the meaning of the message deployed by the ultras, always silent, through a banner that says it all: “a season to forget, a future to prepare, see you in August for new adventures. » “We must become a force again” “It’s a relief that it’s over,” explains one of them. There were still a lot of negative things for us too. We saw ourselves looking too good, we thought we were going to win the championship and…” The withdrawal of several groups of supporters since January has given rise to real self-criticism in order to better move forward next season. “We have to become a force again to carry the team. Don't get carried away if it goes well or freak out if it takes time. » Valenciennes will, whatever happens, need louder support to get out of a championship of which it now knows all the pitfalls and all the difficulty too well

“It’s mixed”, Valenciennes joins in stoppage time, a draw like his season Joined in the last moments and held on by Châteauroux (2-2), the VAFC finished its championship in 10th place and with a draw which says everything about its season: there was room to do much better. The vision of the Castelroussins, collapsed at the final whistle of this final draw which threw them into National 2, encourages us to put everything into perspective. The maintenance mission of the VAFC begun in February by Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater has been accomplished for several weeks and this is undoubtedly the essential thing, at the end of a trying season at all levels of the club, ended far from the initial ambitions and in a way which says a lot about the face displayed by Valenciennes this year. Joined twice by an opponent who was gambling with his life, VA stretched this mixed feeling that has stuck to his jersey since August. From start to finish, despite a few episodic bursts, the taste of too little was the main dish of this second season in a row in National; finished in 10th place with five points less (37) than first. What future for Pierre Blois? “It’s symptomatic, it’s true,” recognizes Remy Boissier who played his last minutes in the Valenciennes jersey after two seasons in the North. We must have a two-goal lead at half-time, but we never manage to manage a match. In the end, it's mixed. It’s nothing more or less than a continuation of what we’ve done. » “I didn't like the look of the team in the second half, the match must be over well before, regrets Pierre Blois whose near future is the big question of the days to come. The Valencian coach does not yet know what his future will hold, or in any case cannot yet say anything about it. “Our role was to prepare for next season in the last matches. My personal case, we will see later,” he evacuates. VA, who has experienced so much instability on the bench and systematically changed coaches along the way over the last five seasons, still has a priority task ahead of him: appointing his future boss, the first stone of a future season which will arrive very quickly. VALENCIENNES- CHATEAUROUX: 2-2 (1-0) 7617 spectators Goals: Appuah (12th), Courtet (89th) for Valenciennes; Freitas (80th), Verdier (90th+4) for Chateauroux Warnings: to Castelroussins Koembo (22nd), Bennedine (90th) to Valenciennois Coeff (45th), Courtet (46th) Expulsion from Castelroussain: Mopila (90th+6) VAFC: Lacombe; Abu (Landre 83rd), Bourichon (Airhiavbere 83rd), Coeff, Wahib; Belloumou (cap), Daubin (Ipiele 60th); D.Diomande (El Hadary 60th), Rouai, Appuah (Boisisier 75th); Short. Etr: Pierre Blois CHATEAUROUX: Lavallée; Koembo, Kelo, Mopila, Beneddine; Wade (Verdier 85th), Tjomb (Bouaoune 46th), Freitas, Chahib; Piquionne, Jean (Ahmed 70th). Etr: Damien Ott

End of the game and end of the season. Valenciennes 2-2 versus Châteauroux. Châteauroux relegated in National 2. Good night everyone.

Good match everyone ! ❤️🤍 Allez VA !

“I sometimes felt alone,” says Derrick Abu, who has been feeling his way in Valenciennes for the first year. The 22-year-old English right-back, who arrived last summer from Southampton, has made three appearances but has played very little this season. This is partly due to a more difficult adaptation to French life than he anticipated. A season has passed, and we still don't know what to make of Englishman Derrick Abu, who arrived last summer from Southampton. At 22, is the Chelsea academy graduate a talent waiting to take off, or just another player who has moved from club to club, like a pawn in the great game of multiple ownership? We haven't seen enough of him in action – just six matches – to be certain, even if memories of him in preseason last summer and the three matches he has just played suggest potential. But in between, there's an interminable tunnel of a season spent primarily in the reserves, far from the first team and the high hopes expressed upon arrival. "When you don't speak the language, when you can't communicate, it's frustrating, but the hardest part is everyday life. Doing your shopping, going to the doctor, calling a number for Wi-Fi, everything is different. It's sometimes a heavy burden," says Derrick Abu. "I wanted to play abroad, to take on this challenge. It didn't go as planned. I didn't expect to be so uninvolved, but it's ending better, so I prefer to look on the bright side," the Englishman says positively today. "All of this has made me stronger; it will serve me well." Derrick Abu describes his first year in France as a "roller coaster"—one that, one suspects, had far more lows than highs. Born in Germany to Nigerian parents who settled in England when he was three, the Briton has a taste for openness but admits he hadn't fully grasped how complicated it can be to integrate, young and alone, into a new country. "It took me time, but I'm 100% now." "When you don't speak the language, when you can't communicate, it's frustrating, but the hardest part is everyday life," he explains. "Shopping, going to the doctor, calling a number for Wi-Fi—everything is different. It can be a heavy burden. A teammate, after a bad day at training, can talk to his wife, hug his children. I won't deny it, even though I knew it would happen, there were times when I felt alone." All of this weighed more heavily on his mind than he imagined, and consequently on his performance. Almost a year after his arrival, Abu can already see the difference: his French has improved, he's settled into his new life at Valenciennes, and he now feels "at home." "It took me some time, but I'm 100% now," he promises. A little late for this season, which ends Friday against Châteauroux, but not without its advantages for what lies ahead. "Because I always look straight ahead," the Englishman asserts. In Valenciennes, he's not the only one who doesn't want to dwell too much on the past year. VALENCIENNES (10th) – CHÂTEAUROUX (16th), Friday, 7:30 p.m., Stade du Hainaut

Derrick ABU held a press conference yesterday:

The Executive Committee of the French Football Federation (FFF) has officially confirmed the launch of the professional Ligue 3 for next season (2026-2027). This name change is accompanied by a major restructuring of the French third division. Here is a summary of the main changes compared to the current National 1: 1. A 100% Professional Status Before (National): The league was considered the elite of amateur football (a "hybrid" status combining relegated professional clubs and amateur clubs with federal contracts). Tomorrow (Ligue 3): The league becomes fully professional. This is a major historical first, as the FFF (and not the LFP) will organize this professional league. For players, this means an upward harmonization of salary conditions, social benefits, and training facilities. 2. New Competition Format (Playoffs and Relegation) The league retains its 18 clubs and 34 matchdays, but the distribution of promotions and relegations has been radically changed to maximize the stakes: Promotion: The top two teams in the standings are automatically promoted to Ligue 2. Playoffs: This is the major new feature. The teams ranked 3rd through 6th will compete in a playoff tournament. The winner of this tournament will play a two-legged playoff against the 16th-placed team in Ligue 2 for a chance to secure a third promotion spot. Relegation: Only the bottom three teams will be relegated (whereas the National league has seen recent seasons with four or six relegations due to reforms). 3. Media and Technological Revolution Full Broadcasting: All 309 matches of the season (regular season + playoffs) will be broadcast on the Ligue 1+ platform. In addition, eight matchdays will be scheduled outside of international breaks or at the beginning/end of the season to provide Ligue 3 with an exclusive showcase, free from competition with Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. Increased technical resources: The days of the single camera are over. Each match will be broadcast with two cameras, and the highlight match of each matchday will benefit from a five-camera setup. Refereeing and Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR): Ligue 3 will test a simplified VAR system. Unlike traditional VAR, coaches will have two challenges per match to request a review of a play. A fourth official will also be present on the sidelines. 4. Financial Framework and Squad Limits To prevent bankruptcies and stabilize club finances (the overall budget allocated to the division will be €12.3 million for the first season), the FFF is imposing strict rules: Salary Cap: Starting in 2027-2028, club salaries will be capped at 60% of their operating revenue (then 50% in 2028-2029 and 40% in 2029-2030). Squad Limit: From 2027-2028, clubs will be limited to a maximum of 20 players under federal/professional contract. The aim is to encourage clubs to rely on youth development and local players. 5. Administrative Flexibility (End of Deadline) To avoid legal complications and truncated 17-team leagues (as has often happened in recent years due to protracted DNCG procedures), the July 17th registration deadline has been eliminated. From now on, a club can be administratively reinstated up until the day before the first matchday of the season. Bonus Clarity: To make the French football pyramid clearer, the lower divisions are also changing their names. The current National 2 will become National 1, and the current National 3 will become National 2.

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well? Today in Valenciennes is the final match of the season – a season that has once again been a struggle. A win tonight would be a positive note, but it won’t be easy against La Berrichonne de Châteauroux, whom we’re hosting at the Stade du Hainaut; they absolutely must win to stay in Ligue 3 next year. Next year, matches will no longer be streamed for free on YouTube; in France, you’ll need to subscribe to a pay-TV channel called ‘Ligue 1+’, which broadcasts Ligue 1. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time and the link to the match is below: I’m sharing the latest news from Ligue 3 and the press articles below.

Here’s where Boro will really be on 23 May, haha 🤣

Congratulations ❤️🤍❤️🤍🔥🔥🔥🔥

I can see the meteor Charles set off through my binoculars 💫💫 This is the most important goal 🔥🔥

Wonderful ! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Yessssss

Shit !

It's so pathetic of the Boro fans, haha 🤣

Boro fans are really up for anything – but especially the worst! Let’s not get drawn into their silly protests; give it your all at the stadium tomorrow, lads! Let’s stay focused on our team and the goal of reaching the next round! Come on Red's !

Lads, I didn’t watch the match, but judging by the score, I’d say it’s a positive result for us. We needed to be solid and not let Boro’s onslaught get the better of us – they were absolutely determined to win today. Given the circumstances, it’s a good draw. We’ll need to be more determined and get the job done next week. With You, Reds !

VAFC: The door finally opens in goal for Justin Lacombe, "the right time to show I'm ready" Backup to Jean Louchet in goal, Justin Lacombe has had limited playing time since arriving at Valenciennes. Pierre Blois has decided to throw him in at the deep end of the National league this Saturday in Bourg-en-Bresse, in order to assess his potential. Justin Lacombe is set to play the two remaining National league matches in goal for Valenciennes. This decision is neither an experiment nor a makeshift solution, and certainly not a punishment for Jean Louchet, whose second half of the season has been quite remarkable. "Since Rudy (Mater) and I have been here, I think he's done a very good job," confirms Pierre Blois. "We're lucky to have a very good goalkeeper, and we've told him so." “ It also turns out that the club needs to assess its designated replacement (under contract until 2027), who arrived last summer from Toulouse Football Club, where he was developed. He hasn't been able to offer him a single minute in official competition so far, except with the reserve team in Régional 1, where Pierre Blois saw him in action and where “he always played very well.” In an ideal world, the player from Corrèze should have been able to play in the Coupe de France if Stéphane Moulin hadn't chosen, for the match against Croix in October, to give Jean Louchet continuity amidst a congested schedule. And since Valenciennes had somehow managed to get knocked out in their first match… “I didn't show it on a daily basis, even though I was disappointed.” Justin Lacombe emerged from this episode upset, without ever letting on. “The Coupe de France was a difficult moment, I won't lie.” “I didn’t show it on a daily basis, even though I was disappointed. I told the coach,” recounts the 23-year-old, who was fully aware, upon signing with Valenciennes, of the established hierarchy in the Valenciennes goal. “I was told I was coming as the number two and that things weren’t set in stone.” “He’s the kind of goalkeeper who can fit the modern mold. Now, to get the answers, he needs to play.” Damien Perquis, VAFC Goalkeeping Coach “In a way, I’m glad he took it badly,” reacts Damien Perquis, upon hearing the player’s comments. “That’s how you reach the top level.” The VAFC goalkeeping coach had complied with the club’s desire to focus on a developing young player. His choice fell on the former third-choice goalkeeper for Toulouse FC, whose explosive profile he appreciates: "He's quick in his movements, you can feel he's got fire in his legs." He's about to be tested in the National league. "He's the kind of goalkeeper who can fit the bill for a modern goalkeeper," continues Damien Perquis. The qualities a goalkeeper shows in training are one thing, but competition is another. "Now, to get the answers, he needs to play." The rookie's chance arrives in Bourg-en-Bresse. "It's the perfect opportunity to show that I'm ready," the player anticipates. BOURG-EN-BRESSE – VALENCIENNES, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Hello everyone, Here’s an update from Valenciennes. Following last Saturday’s draw away at FC Sochaux, our team is now facing the last two matches of the season: - An away trip to Bourg-en-Bresse today - A home game against Châteauroux next Saturday Two matches of little significance, as the club has already secured its place in the division, but the aim is still to finish on a high note and secure a good league position. Tonight, our current second-choice goalkeeper, Justin Lacombe, will start the match, and some of our younger players are also expected to get some playing time. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time and the match link is as follows: Have a lovely day, everyone. Allez VA !

Let's win on the pitch this afternoon, despite all this!

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well? Today marks the first leg of the play-offs, and I wish you every success on the pitch. It’s not an easy match, but even less so with this whole business… Was this a one-off act by this person? Was it at the club’s request? You’d have to be mad to drive 10 hours there and back to take such a risk just hours before a big match. I don’t think it was really necessary to take such risks and get into trouble for nothing, because as far as I’m concerned, Boro could very well change their tactics even in the final hours before the match. Here are my thoughts: - I think the video analysts must have access to all 46 of Boro’s matches this season so they can work on their strengths and weaknesses... - Given that SFC are on a run of 19 consecutive matches without defeat, why do this? Do we not have confidence in our players to win the match on the pitch? - With so much at stake, why didn’t Boro hold their training sessions this week behind closed doors and in locations hidden from prying eyes? - With the first leg being played away, isn’t it a significant advantage to play the return leg at Saint Mary’s? The timing is really poor and I don’t think it was the right moment at all... We’ll need to be strong today because this match will be played in a hostile atmosphere where Boro will be even more determined to win. Have a good match, friend! Force to you from France, from Valenciennes. COYR !

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well on the eve of the first leg of the play-offs. With just a few hours to go before kick-off, especially with something as crucial as a place in the next round at stake, it’s understandable that the tension is running high. I’ve heard about this ‘Spygate’ business and, to be honest, I think it’s more of an attempt to unsettle Boro than a true story. For me, if the club had really done that, we might have thought the staff didn’t have faith in their players to beat this team, but we haven’t gone 19 games unbeaten for nothing. Boro can set up however they like; our players will get the job done as they know so well how to do. Another thing: why aren’t the media publishing a photo of the culprit? Or naming the person who allegedly did this? You can accuse anyone of anything if no evidence is provided – that’s easy. And then, if it turns out to be true, Boro could very well change their tactics at the last minute or switch their training venue to a closed facility with no spectators. Does Boro really have peace of mind? Do they too have confidence in their players? Is this a tactic to put pressure on our players and our staff? Friends, personally, I have confidence in you, in Tonda, in the players, and I have no doubt that Southampton will get the job done tomorrow and in the return leg. Let’s stay focused! With you, Saint's friends !

"A real man's game!" They drove them crazy, Valenciennes perfect at spoiling the party. Shaken, reduced to ten men, and trailing in the first half, VA quickly equalized against a Sochaux side also down to ten men to take a point (1-1). And play a nasty trick on all their former players who thought they were taking a giant step towards Ligue 2. The Sochaux players collapsed to the ground at the final whistle, under a barrage of rather harsh boos. The Valenciennes players, too, lay down on the Bonal pitch, exhausted from the long battle fought in the Doubs region. After all, perhaps the jeers of the 20,000 Sochaux fans were partly intended for them as well. What nerve, though, to come and spoil the party that everyone saw coming. Sochaux couldn't secure promotion with a win, but they would have taken a giant step towards Ligue 2. Except it's never a good idea to get ahead of yourself. Even if it's a local tradition, apparently, the fireworks for the players' entrance were perhaps a bit much. Valenciennes, however, was largely blindsided by the joy of their former players. A packed, noisy, singing stadium, buzzing with excitement at returning to Ligue 2, is where Vincent Hognon, their former coach, shines this year, alongside Aymen Boutoutaou, dazzling in the first half, Julien Masson, suspended against Valenciennes, and Samy Baghdadi. Even if they only have themselves to blame for not being invited to join them on the promotion run, Valenciennes already had their fill last year of watching others celebrate their success. Boulogne and then Nancy, both future promoted sides, had come to celebrate at the Hainaut stadium at the end of the season. So, not seeing others celebrating a goal that Valenciennes couldn't achieve was a small consolation. And well deserved in this instance. Grumpy Hognon, frustrated Mauricio Because they had to dig deep during a first half that started poorly on all fronts: Alexi Koum was rightly sent off after just over fifteen minutes (17th minute), and Sochaux opened the scoring with a ruthless strike (30th minute). It was hard to imagine a more difficult situation. Then the halftime break proved to be the turning point: a more determined performance, quickly rewarded with a clear penalty, awarded to Bayanginisa for a red card (50th minute), which Stredair Appuah converted. That's how you change the momentum of a match. "The lads played like men, we played thirty minutes longer than them with one less player, I'm really proud of them," praised Pierre Blois. Valenciennes' comeback surprised, and irritated, everyone in the Sochaux camp. "They were really motivated, they were wasting time," grimaced Vincent Hognon. You should have seen his assistant, former Valenciennes player Tony Mauricio, practically throwing a tantrum in the press box, frustrated by his team's inability to regain their attacking edge. But Valenciennes isn't on holiday yet and also thrives on pride against the top teams. "It was a good test for next season," emphasized Pierre Blois, "but I'm not worried about them, they'll get promoted." Not right away, anyway. SOCHAUX – VALENCIENNES: 1-1 (1-0) 19,150 spectators Goals: Djoco (30th minute) for Sochaux, Appuah (53rd minute, penalty) Yellow cards: Bayanginisa (47th and 51st minutes), Vitelli (57th minute) for Sochaux; Appuah (53rd minute), Wahib (66th minute), El Hadary (74th minute) for Valenciennes Sending off: Koum (17th minute) for Valenciennes; Bayanginisa (50th minute) for Sochaux SOCHAUX: Pierre; N’Gata, Vitelli (captain) (Tavares 74th minute), Peybernes, Gomis; Mexique, Bayanginisa; Boutoutaou (Fofana 65th minute), Baghdadi (Youssouf 65th minute), Gomel; Djoco (Sidibe 81st minute). Foreign referee: Pierre Blois VAFC: Louchet; Abu, Coeff, Landre, Koum; Rouai, Belloumou (cap) (Daubin (45th), K.Diomande (Wahib 24th), Courtet, Appuah (El Hadary 56th); Kouakou (Nyemb 70th). Etr: Pierre Blois