ChristopheVAFC Posted July 2 Posted July 2 Two new recruits join Valenciennes today ! https://www.va-fc.com/articles/28998 Quote Abdelwahed Wahib signs for VAFC! Abdelwahed Wahib is Red and White! The 25-year-old left-back signed for VAFC on Wednesday 2 July. Trained at the Mohammed VI academy in Rabat, the former Moroccan U20 international (6 caps) will join Le Havre in 2019. In Normandy, after a first season in N3 with the reserves, the defender is gradually discovering Ligue 2. After playing three games in 2020/21, Wahib made 17 appearances for Le Havre in Ligue 2 the following season. His progress was brought to a screeching halt by a knee injury in July 2022. After a season of almost no action, the full-back signed for Concarneau in July 2023, where he made 12 appearances in Ligue 2 and 21 in the National League last season. An experienced player who will strengthen the Valenciennes defence. Welcome to VA Abdel! Abdelwahed Wahib, new VAFC recruit: "I'm honoured to be joining VAFC. I can't wait to get started and take up this challenge. We're going to start training and prepare well for this tough competition. I'm a player who likes to play out wide. I'm also aggressive in duels. I trained for seven years in Morocco before joining Le Havre for three years. I had a serious knee injury, but I managed to return to form at Concarneau. Now I'm determined to give it everything I've got. Mathieu Frison, VAFC sports coordinator. "Abdel is coming off a successful season in the National League. His commitment and attitude to the team make him a remarkable player. He has shown a strong desire to join us. 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 2 Posted July 2 (edited) https://www.va-fc.com/articles/alexi-koum-prêté-au-vafc-!-28992 Quote Alexi Koum on loan to VAFC! A young hopeful on loan to VAFC! French international at youth level (U16, U17, U18 and U19), Alexi Koum has been loaned to the Hainaut club by Olympique de Marseille until the end of the season. The 19-year-old left-back came through the Auxerre academy before joining OM in July 2024 to sign his first professional contract. In his first season in Marseille, he played 14 games for the Marseille reserves, who play in the French National 3 league. The player took his first steps in Ligue 1 by playing eleven minutes at Geoffroy-Guichard during Marseille's victory over Saint-Etienne last December. Alexi Koum has come to the north of France to gain experience and get more playing time, and has strengthened the Valenciennes defence. Welcome to VA Alexi! Alexi Koum, new recruit at VAFC. "I joined VAFC because I was convinced by the project presented by the club and the arrival of coach Stéphane Moulin. I'm expecting a lot of adversity in the National, which is a tough league. Power and desire are part of my qualities. I'm keen to get some game time and show what I can do for VAFC. Mathieu Frison, VAFC sports coordinator. "Alexi is a left-back who has been training with OM's professional squad for the past year. The VA project and our previous loan successes enable us to attract this type of high-potential player. We're happy to help him continue his development." Edited July 2 by ChristopheVAFC
Doctoroncall Posted July 2 Posted July 2 Two left backs. I presume there were none left at the club end of last season.
Tommy Mulgrew Posted July 2 Author Posted July 2 It’s the SR way: you can never have too many left-backs. 1 2
chiknsmack Posted July 3 Posted July 3 12 hours ago, Doctoroncall said: Two left backs. I presume there were none left at the club end of last season. There was one left; 21yo Souleymane Basse who was one of the better young prospects at the club IMO. He played most of the second half of the relegation season, and most of the second half of last season after being out injured for the first half. Two had been released; a solid but unspectacular 31yo and a 21yo picked up from Bordeaux's academy when they went into administration who was a good attacker but an awful defender. So now they have Basse, 25yo Wahib who looks good for this level and maybe beyond but with a major injury in his past, and 19yo Koum on loan. 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 3 Posted July 3 The reason for recruiting the 2 left-backs is that the only one left, Souleymane Basse, is highly sought-after and is likely to leave this summer, as Valenciennes have been offered a number of attractive financial packages. The press article below explains it better than I can: https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1602412/article/2025-07-02/va-anticipe-un-possible-depart-de-souleymane-basse-et-enrole-deux-arrieres Quote VA anticipate possible departure of Souleymane Basse and sign two left-backs The signing of two left-backs in quick succession on Wednesday, Abdelwahed Wahib and Alexi Koum, opens the door to the departure of Souleymane Basse, who is one of the most coveted players in the Valenciennes squad. Souleymane Basse (21, under contract until 2027) has become a fixture on Valenciennes' left flank since taking his first steps at Pau on 5 December 2023, the night the door closed on Jorge Maciel. VA are not pushing the Senegalese towards the exit, but they know the player is coveted. So, in a way, it was in anticipation of a departure that he went in search of two left-backs, whose signatures were made official on Wednesday. The first, Abdelwahed Wahib (25), joins from Concarneau, where he has played a total of 33 league games over the last two seasons (12 in Ligue 2 and 21 in the French national side). A Moroccan U20 international, he discovered L2 at Le Havre, who gave him a chance in 2019. However, a cruciate knee ligament rupture put the brakes on his progress and kept him out of action for a full season (2022-2023). Younger (19) and still learning his trade, French international Alexi Koum (U16, U17, U18 and U19) is on loan from Olympique de Marseille, where he made just one appearance in Ligue 1 (coming on as a substitute against Saint-Etienne in December 2024). A graduate of AJ Auxerre's youth academy (2021-2024), he played for Marseille's reserve team in the N3 division last season.
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 3 Posted July 3 (edited) Dear friends, I told you that the off-season was going to be hectic for Valenciennes with a team that is going to change a lot and I'm giving you an update below on the current movements at the club, and I'm told that it's not over yet, a few more arrivals are expected here at VA. Departures from the club: - (Goalkeeper) Mathieu MICHEL / End of contract -> Montpellier HSC (Ligue 2) - (Goalkeeper) Pape CAMARA / End of contract -> Free - (Left-back) Byani MPATA Lama / End of contract -> Free - (Central defender) Ousmane TOURE / End of loan -> LOSC Lille (Ligue 1) - (Midfielder) Axel CAMBLAN / End of loan -> Stade Brestois (Ligue 1) - (Central defender) Bakaye DIBASSY / End of contract -> Free - (Central defender) Lucas WOUDENBERG / End of contract -> Free - (Forward) Nick VENEMA / Termination of contract -> FC Dordrecht (Division 2 - Netherlands) - (Forward) Carneji ANTOINE / Termination of contract -> Free - (Defensive midfielder) Julien MASSON / End of contract -> FC Sochaux (National) - (Attacking midfielder) Aymen BOUTOUTAOU / End of contract -> FC Sochaux (National) - (Attacking midfielder) Kylian GASNIER / End of loan -> Pau FC (Ligue 2) - (Front centre) Yacine HAOUARI / Entente Feignies Aulnoye (National 2) - (Right-back) Tanguy LIENARD / Entente Feignies Aulnoye (National 2) - (Central defender) Philippe NDINGA OSSIBADJOUO / End of contract -> Free - (Central midfield) Daouda TRAORE / End of loan -> Southampton FC Arrivals at the club: - (Defensive midfielder) Jules COLLET / Signature contrat professionnel - (Forward) Gaetan COURTET / USL Dunkerque (Ligue 2) - (Defensive midfielder) Mabrouck ROUAI / Aubagne FC (National) - (Goalkeeper) Julien LACOMBE / Toulouse FC (Ligue 1) - (Left winger) Alain IPIELE / Martigues (Ligue 2) - (Attacking midfielder) Daou Kader DIOMANDE / Paris 13 Atletico (National) - (Right-back) Derrick ABU / Southampton FC U21 - (Left-back) Alexi KOUM / Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1) - (Left-back) Abdelwahed WAHIB / Le Havre (Ligue 1) - (Right-Winger) Streddair APPUAH / new loan to Valenciennes for all season - (Central defender) Romain THOMAS / Stade Malherbe de Caen (National) Current departure rumours: - (Left-back) Souleymane BASSE / several offers? - (Forward) Matthias OYEWUZI / Turkey ? Edited July 3 by ChristopheVAFC 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 3 Posted July 3 Update: Streddair APPUAH returns to Valenciennes on season-long loan ! https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29001 Quote Stredair Appuah returns to VAFC on loan! Barely gone and already back! Stredair Appuah returned to Valenciennes on loan from Italian club Palermo from January to June this year. The eccentric striker, who returns on a season's loan, made a remarkable first appearance last season with VA, with whom he played 13 National League games (3 goals, 1 assist). Now a veteran of the National Championship, the 21-year-old will continue his rise to prominence in the Hainaut attack. Welcome back to VA Stredair! Stredair Appuah, new VAFC recruit: "I'm very happy to be back at VA. It's a club and a town that I know quite well. I think coming here was the best choice for my progression. I already know the players, I know the town a little, I know the club. I'm returning to my roots. I think it was the best choice for my progression, and for the rest of my career too. The six months I spent here last season gave me a lot of confidence and a lot of pleasure. It's true that being out on the pitch again, playing regularly and getting minutes, did me a world of good. And I think that if I do more or less the same things as I did in the second half of the season, I can win the hearts of the fans and move forward with this wonderful club. Mathieu Frison, sports coordinator at VAFC. "We're very pleased to see Stredair return to VAFC. He really stepped up his game during his last loan spell, with some decisive actions in important matches. Despite numerous requests for his services, he was determined to return to VAFC in order to prove himself over a full season. We're going to gain time with a player who already knows our environment and its expectations." 1
SuperSAINT Posted July 3 Posted July 3 Thanks for this Christophe. Are there any arrivals are you would say are particularly exciting or would be typically above the level you are currently playing at? 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 3 Posted July 3 6 hours ago, SuperSAINT said: Thanks for this Christophe. Are there any arrivals are you would say are particularly exciting or would be typically above the level you are currently playing at? Don't worry, my friend, I'd love to! On the list of arrivals at Valenciennes, I like our new striker, Gatean COURTET, an experienced player with a warrior's mentality, and here, we like warriors! As for the others, I'm very happy too. Mathieu Frison, Ben Chorley's replacement, is using a completely different strategy to build the team. That appeals to a lot of supporters here, and at the moment we're optimistic for next season. Of course, the most important thing will be the pitch and the sporting results! 2
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 3 Posted July 3 Another new recruit officially announced today! (and it's not over yet!) https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29024 Quote Romain Thomas, an experienced defender at VAFC! It's an impressive CV that has just joined VAFC. With 499 games played in all competitions, Romain Thomas knows what experience means. His statistics are enough to make you dizzy: 219 games in Ligue 1 with Angers (14 goals), 172 games in Ligue 2 with Brest, Angers and Caen (14 goals), not forgetting 64 games in the National between Pacy-sur-Eure and Carquefou, not to mention 35 Coupe de France matches (including a final in 2017) and 9 in the Coupe de la Ligue. The 37-year-old central defender, who has signed a season-long contract with VA, knows French football inside out. A true leader, he is a welcome addition to the Valenciennes defence and dressing room. Welcome to VA Romain! Romain Thomas, VAFC's new recruit. "I felt that VAFC were enthusiastic about bringing me in. First of all, I wanted to see how I felt, but this club, which has great facilities, made me want to push my career even further and contribute what I can. I ended last season badly at Caen because I injured my Achilles tendon, but today everything is back to normal. Passion and pleasure explain my longevity. Today, I want to pass on my passion. It's a fantastic job and I want to pass that on to the younger generation. I take my role as manager to heart. I come here to try and get results and I think there are some great things to be done here. I'd like to experience some wonderful things again. VA is a club that deserves to go higher. Mathieu Frison, VAFC sports coordinator. "Romain is a very experienced player with a remarkable career. He is renowned for his work ethic. He knows perfectly how Stéphane Moulin works and his principles, which is invaluable if we are to perform as quickly as possible."
SuperSAINT Posted July 3 Posted July 3 15 minutes ago, ChristopheVAFC said: Don't worry, my friend, I'd love to! On the list of arrivals at Valenciennes, I like our new striker, Gatean COURTET, an experienced player with a warrior's mentality, and here, we like warriors! As for the others, I'm very happy too. Mathieu Frison, Ben Chorley's replacement, is using a completely different strategy to build the team. That appeals to a lot of supporters here, and at the moment we're optimistic for next season. Of course, the most important thing will be the pitch and the sporting results! Thanks mate. What’s the new strategy? More experience?
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 3 Posted July 3 Just now, SuperSAINT said: Thanks mate. What’s the new strategy? More experience? Jules COLLET A young player from our academy, he has been at Valenciennes for six years now—a promising talent in my opinion. Gaetan COURTET A seasoned 36-year-old striker who has spent his entire career in France (Stade de Reims, Stade Brestois, AJ Auxerre, FC Lorient, AC Ajaccio, EA Guingamp and USL Dunkerque). He averages about 10 goals per season. Mabrouck ROUAI He’s coming off a solid season with Aubagne (3 goals and 5 assists). A dribbler-type profile and quite tricky to mark. Julien LACOMBE A young goalkeeper from Toulouse FC, he will be our number 2 behind Jean Louchet. In my view, he’s got potential for the future. Alain IPIELE A 27-year-old left winger who joins us from Martigues (Ligue 2). Not much information, but it seems he made a good impression last season. Daou Kader DIOMANDE This player comes from Paris 13, a team we faced last year. A good pick-up in my opinion. Derrick ABU A young player from Southampton’s U21s. I’ve read many comments from Saints fans who say Derrick is a very interesting player who could bring a lot to our side. Alexi KOUM On loan from Olympique de Marseille. I don’t know him that well, but I do know he’s here to get game time and will give his all for the shirt. Abdelwahed WAHIB A left-back who will compete with Alexi KOUM, also a left-back. I don’t know him either, but he’ll have to earn his spot. Streddair APPUAH Already on loan with us from January 2025. He had a strong half-season and chose to come back despite having other offers. Romain THOMAS A natural centre-back who knows our coach (Stéphane MOULIN) very well, having played under him at Stade Malherbe Caen. I believe he’ll give his all on the pitch.
SuperSAINT Posted July 3 Posted July 3 4 minutes ago, ChristopheVAFC said: Jules COLLET A young player from our academy, he has been at Valenciennes for six years now—a promising talent in my opinion. Gaetan COURTET A seasoned 36-year-old striker who has spent his entire career in France (Stade de Reims, Stade Brestois, AJ Auxerre, FC Lorient, AC Ajaccio, EA Guingamp and USL Dunkerque). He averages about 10 goals per season. Mabrouck ROUAI He’s coming off a solid season with Aubagne (3 goals and 5 assists). A dribbler-type profile and quite tricky to mark. Julien LACOMBE A young goalkeeper from Toulouse FC, he will be our number 2 behind Jean Louchet. In my view, he’s got potential for the future. Alain IPIELE A 27-year-old left winger who joins us from Martigues (Ligue 2). Not much information, but it seems he made a good impression last season. Daou Kader DIOMANDE This player comes from Paris 13, a team we faced last year. A good pick-up in my opinion. Derrick ABU A young player from Southampton’s U21s. I’ve read many comments from Saints fans who say Derrick is a very interesting player who could bring a lot to our side. Alexi KOUM On loan from Olympique de Marseille. I don’t know him that well, but I do know he’s here to get game time and will give his all for the shirt. Abdelwahed WAHIB A left-back who will compete with Alexi KOUM, also a left-back. I don’t know him either, but he’ll have to earn his spot. Streddair APPUAH Already on loan with us from January 2025. He had a strong half-season and chose to come back despite having other offers. Romain THOMAS A natural centre-back who knows our coach (Stéphane MOULIN) very well, having played under him at Stade Malherbe Caen. I believe he’ll give his all on the pitch. Top stuff! Thank you. Really intrigued how Derek Abu is going to get on — very good in the PL2, but is old enough to go and get games. I’m hopeful he will do a good job. Very good going forwards from right back. 1
S-Clarke Posted July 3 Posted July 3 I think Abu will be a good player at that level, it'll give him the chance to develop. He was seriously highly rated at Chelsea, similar to that Simeu lad we had - neither made it with us, but I think both will have good lower level careers. We fought off some PL interest to get Abu on a free if I remember rightly. He's a good pickup for the French National league, no doubts. 3
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 7 Posted July 7 Hello friends, I hope you're well! News from outside VAFC: today, the town of Valenciennes hosts the 3rd stage of the Tour de France 2025. https://www.letour.fr/en/stage-3 If any of you like cycling or want to see some pictures of my town, don't hesitate to watch the TV today. Have a nice day! 2
FredVaFC59100 Posted July 8 Posted July 8 VAFC is fulfilling SR's farming club strategy; Joachim Kayi Sanda was the first, leaving to SFC 6 months ago; now Souleymane Basse is heading to Gotzepe. https://le11hdf-fr.translate.goog/vafc-mercato-souleymane-basse-sur-le-depart/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 9 Posted July 9 Hello friends, I hope you're all well! Today, a new recruit for Valenciennes (11 in total!) https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29093 Quote Samy Baghdadi commits to VAFC! VAFC have signed a top-class attacking player. Fourth top scorer in the French national league last season (13 goals and 7 assists in 31 games), Samy Baghdadi signed a two-season contract with VAFC on Wednesday 9 July. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder leaves Versailles, where he shone last season to the point of being named among the league's top three players. Samy Baghdadi came through the ranks at Grasse, his hometown, and Le Cannet, before signing his first professional contract at the age of 20 for Saint-Etienne. After returning to National 2 with Grasse in 2020, the player headed to the Netherlands in 2021 to play for Fortuna Sittard, where he discovered the Dutch top flight. Spotted by Dunkerque, he signed for the Maritimes in July 2022, where he was one of the architects of the club's return to Ligue 2, scoring nine goals in the process. After a season of 20 games and 2 goals in Ligue 2 with USLD, the attacking midfielder joined Versailles last summer for another full season in the National, where he wore the captain's armband. Now he's at VAFC to continue his impressive rise. Welcome to VA Samy! Samy Baghdadi, new recruit at VAFC. "I decided to join VAFC because it's a historic club that I've known since I was a kid. It's also a very interesting project with a lot of ambitions. I have ambitions too, so I found myself in this project and I'm very happy to be here. When you look at the facilities, the recruitment, the squad... And I've also spoken to the coach on the phone several times, all of which played a part in my decision. My best position is to play behind the striker. I don't know if you say 9 and a half or number 10, but I like to have freedom, to shine and to help others shine. I think I can say that I'm in top form at the moment. I'm coming off a full season in which I played almost every game and performed well. Now I'm hoping to perform as well as possible for VAFC. Mathieu Frison, VAFC sports coordinator. "After a number of major signings in the attacking positions, we were looking for a player capable of creating a technical link in our attack and with the ability to finish moves. Samy has these characteristics and is coming off a remarkable season with Versailles, which gives him a lot of confidence. He has already played alongside Gaëtan Courtet and Alain Ipiélé, which is no mean feat in a team that has a lot of new players. 1
SuperSAINT Posted July 9 Posted July 9 1 hour ago, ChristopheVAFC said: Hello friends, I hope you're all well! Today, a new recruit for Valenciennes (11 in total!) https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29093 Now, he sounds like a good signing
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 12 Posted July 12 Hello friends, I hope you're well? Today is the 1st pre-season match for Valenciennes, who take on Quevilly Rouen at the VAFC training centre. After this match, on Sunday, the Valenciennes players will head to Southampton for a 5-day training camp at the Staplewood Campus from 13 to 18 July 2023, culminating in a friendly match against your team behind closed doors and also not broadcast on television. Press Review today: https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1605787/article/2025-07-12/vafc-voir-le-caractere-de-chacun-premiere-sortie-pour-le-valenciennes-de Quote VAFC: ‘See the character in everyone’, Stéphane Moulin's first outing for Valenciennes VAFC play their first warm-up match at Mont-Houy on Saturday (5pm) against Quevilly-Rouen, who will be back in the National this season. Stéphane Moulin will be carrying out a wide-ranging review of his squad. After almost two weeks of intensive work, sometimes in the heat, sometimes in torrential rain, Valenciennes are finally about to take to the pitch for their first warm-up match. The moment is always eagerly awaited by the fans, who are curious to see the team again almost two months after the end of the league season. VA's fans are particularly excited by the team's well-organised recruitment, which has left them wanting more. There is no guarantee of success in the end, but the moment is still ripe for dreams of victory and the promise of good times ahead. Stéphane Moulin, making his first start on the VA bench, was careful to point out the limited stakes involved in a first test a month before the start of the season. We're playing this match to validate the first few days, which has barely been a fortnight's work," he points out. We've had a heavy workload, so the players may be a little tired physically. This will give us a chance to discover the character of each player and the group as a whole. We've been doing some setting up, but I'm going to find out what they're like in real situations. Two different teams will be lined up to give as many players as possible playing time, without there being any link with a future standard team. For the time being. VAFC - QRM, 5pm at Mont-Houy, admission €3. 2
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 12 Posted July 12 7 hours ago, Sevvy said: Good luck today and for the rest of the season, Thank you very much my friend, have a great season and all the Southampton supporters on the site. 🥰
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 12 Posted July 12 Win 1-0 today in Valenciennes Training Center ! Valenciennes win their first match (1-0), Mamadou Kebbeh on target Valenciennes beat Quevilly-Rouen 1-0 in their first warm-up match. Mamadou Kebbeh scored the only goal of the game in the first half. VA made a successful comeback. As expected, Stéphane Moulin fielded two separate teams in the first and second halves, with many new faces showing a fairly positive side, especially in the first half. Mamadou Kebbeh scored the only goal of the game from a corner. Lucas Buades also had a penalty saved by the Normandy goalkeeper in the first half. VAFC - Quevilly-Rouen: 1-0 (1-0) Goal: Kebbeh (25th) VAFC (1st MT) : Louchet, A. Diomande, Kebebh, Thomas (cap), Koum; Moursou; Rouai, K. Diomande; Buades, Oyewusi, Ipiele VAFC (2nd MT) : Lacombe; Coeff, Tremoulet, Niakate, Wahib, Collet, Sissoko; Baghdadi; Appuah, Courtet, Kouakou. 4
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 14 Posted July 14 Hello friends, I hope you're well? Latest news from my team who arrived safely in Southampton last night for the 5-day course! I think you're likely to come across them if they're out and about in the city, I'm thinking of the Bargate and WestQuai areas! Take care of my players, my friends! Have a great day! --> https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1606238/article/2025-07-14/vafc-encore-en-observation-valenciennes-en-stage-en-angleterre-la-classe Quote VAFC: ‘Still observing’, Valenciennes on training camp in England, the discovery class In the wake of their 1-0 win over Quevilly-Rouen, Valenciennes have left for a week's training camp in Southampton, where one of the main objectives will be to get to know each other better. Things are speeding up for Stéphane Moulin's VAFC. After two weeks of work at home at the start of their preparations, with physical sessions in the mornings and on the ball in the afternoons, the Valenciennes took their first step on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Quevilly-Rouen in their first preparatory match. It was a deserved victory, as much as it underlined the automatisms that still need to be built in a team that has been rebuilt from the ground up. "I'm trying to get a better grasp of the personalities. I need to know who I'm dealing with on a human level, and so do they. " Stéphane Moulin Creating a group spirit and a bond between the men who make it up is at the heart of this English week in Southampton. The Valenciennes players will be spending a lot of time together away from home at the facilities of owner Sport Republic's flagship club, which VAFC will face late on Friday morning. It's important," insists Stéphane Moulin. We're going to discover some good facilities, even if ours are already exceptional, but it's going to give us the chance to get together in a place we've never been before. 24 players at the training camp All twenty-two players who lined up against QRM will be making the trip, while Remy Boissier, who was not selected on Saturday, and young Célestin Nyemb have also boarded the Eurostar to travel to the south of England for a week. Souleymane Basse will not be taking part. A firm believer in management and team spirit, Stéphane Moulin will continue to discover a squad full of new faces. I'm still in the observation phase," admits the new Valenciennes coach. I'm observing behaviour, attitudes on the pitch, who can be with whom, and I'm trying to get a better grasp of personalities. I need to know who I'm dealing with on a human level, and so do they. This English interlude, the second phase of the preparation, will provide the ideal setting for him to get to grips with the souls of his players. One-to-one interviews with each of the participants in the training camp are planned. On the green lawns of the Staplewood Campus, Southampton's training centre, the Valenciennes will also be getting down to the nitty-gritty of tactics. 3
Ekelund24 Posted July 16 Posted July 16 On 14/07/2025 at 08:09, ChristopheVAFC said: Hello friends, I hope you're well? Latest news from my team who arrived safely in Southampton last night for the 5-day course! I think you're likely to come across them if they're out and about in the city, I'm thinking of the Bargate and WestQuai areas! Take care of my players, my friends! Have a great day! --> https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1606238/article/2025-07-14/vafc-encore-en-observation-valenciennes-en-stage-en-angleterre-la-classe I am not sure if it was all of your players or just coaches and backroom staff but they seemed to be settling in at the Village Hotel OK yesterday 3
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 16 Posted July 16 1 hour ago, Ekelund24 said: I am not sure if it was all of your players or just coaches and backroom staff but they seemed to be settling in at the Village Hotel OK yesterday I don't have any information on this subject because my club is very discreet about the team's current training camp. I imagine they want the players to be in their own bubble. I hope the camp goes well for them in any case!
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 16 Posted July 16 A new recruit will be announced in a few hours by VAFC. 🥳 I'm thinking of two potential players: 🫣 - Sandro Tremoulet (central defender) - Samir Beloumou (defensive midfielder) I think the player will be presented on the pitch at Southampton's training centre. 😅 https://x.com/VAFC/status/1945436415862386970?t=eQ0YzDCZn5Nf46EyXIqyWg&s=19 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted July 16 Posted July 16 It's Samir Belloumou finaly ! https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29185 Quote Samir Belloumou signs for VAFC! A defensive midfielder for the Rouge et Blanc! Samir Belloumou, captain of Martigues in Ligue 2 last season (26 matches), signed a two-season contract with VAFC on Wednesday 16 July. The 31-year-old experienced defensive midfielder, who was born in Martigues and trained at Istres, has spent most of his career in his home town, where he has played since the 2017/18 season. Samir Belloumou has experienced it all under his Martigues colours, progressing from National 2 to Ligue 2 in the space of seven years. The midfielder played no fewer than 163 games for the club in all divisions. The midfielder is looking forward to bringing that experience to Valenciennes this season. Welcome to VA Samir! Samir Belloumou, new VAFC recruit. "I was really excited by the VAFC project. When I spoke to the coach, I knew it was an ambitious project. I'd just come off three great seasons with Martigues, where I experienced some great emotions, and I'm really hoping to relive that here. VAFC is a historic club with a great structure and a lot of supporters. All that convinced me and made me want to come here. I can't wait to get started and experience some great adventures. In terms of my profile, I'm a defensive midfielder who works with the defenders to try and get the ball out but also to defend well with the team. Mathieu Frison, sports coordinator at VAFC. "Samir is an experienced midfielder who will bring his technical expertise to the team. He is a player who has been loyal to his club Martigues, which he has taken from N2 to L2 in recent seasons as captain. We are delighted to welcome him to VAFC. 2
Convict Colony Posted Wednesday at 19:22 Posted Wednesday at 19:22 Nice work seems like the club is making smarter decisions this transfer window. 1
SuperSAINT Posted Wednesday at 19:49 Posted Wednesday at 19:49 26 minutes ago, Convict Colony said: Nice work seems like the club is making smarter decisions this transfer window. Hope they get promoted - helps everyone. 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted Thursday at 04:37 Posted Thursday at 04:37 9 hours ago, Convict Colony said: Nice work seems like the club is making smarter decisions this transfer window. Honestly, it's a really good job that's been done by the sports coordinator Mathieu Frison, with the support of our CEO Yoann Godin since the end of the season. We have nothing to reproach the club for, which we feel has made some very good choices, now the hardest thing will be for this new team to get on well on the pitch, and if that works, I have no doubt that we'll have a great season! 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted Thursday at 04:40 Posted Thursday at 04:40 8 hours ago, SuperSAINT said: Hope they get promoted - helps everyone. Frankly, our team has what it takes to have a great season, and we have an experienced coach who can make a difference too! 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted Thursday at 04:52 Posted Thursday at 04:52 7 hours ago, goodymatt said: I know a bit about Julien Dufurier, the journalist who specialises in our team here for our local media outlet ‘La Voix du Nord’, and it's often his press articles that I share with you here. I agree with what he had to say, which sums up the situation of our club since the takeover by Sport Republic. I hope our 3 clubs have a great season in any case! 2
ChristopheVAFC Posted Thursday at 16:56 Posted Thursday at 16:56 The VAFC calendar for the 2025/26 season is out! You've all been waiting for it - it's finally out! On Thursday, the FFF revealed the National Championship fixture list for the 2025/26 season. Note that VAFC will kick off their season at home to Le Puy on Friday 15 August. Here is the calendar in detail, day by day First phase: (Away) J1 (08/08/25): Châteauroux-VAFC (Home) J2 (15/08/25): VAFC-Le Puy (Away) J3 (22/08/25): Orléans-VAFC (Home) J4 (29/08/25): VAFC-Rouen (Away) J5 (05/09/25) : Saint-Brieuc-VAFC (Home) J6 (12/09/25) : VAFC-Paris 13 (Away) J7 (19/09/25): Caen-VAFC (Home) J8 (26/09/25): VAFC-Villefranche (Away) J9 (03/10/25): Ajaccio- VAFC (Home) J10 (17/10/25): VAFC-Concarneau (Away) J11 (21/10/25): Aubagne-VAFC (Home) J12 (31/10/25): VAFC- Quevilly (Away) J13 (07/11/25): Versailles-VAFC (Home) J14 (21/11/25): VAFC-Fleury (Away) J15 (05/12/25): Dijon-VAFC (Home) J16 (12/12/25): VAFC-Sochaux (Home) J17 (16/01/26): VAFC-Bourg Second phase: (Away) J18 (23/01/26): Le Puy-VAFC (Home) J19 (30/01/26): VAFC-Orléans (Away) J20 (06/02/26): Rouen-VAFC (Home) J21 (13/02/26): VAFC-Saint-Brieuc (Away) J22 (20/02/26): Paris 13-VAFC (Home) J23 (27/02/26) : VAFC-Caen (Away) J24 (06/03/26): Villefranche-VAFC (Home) J25 (13/03/26): VAFC-Ajaccio (Away) J26 (20/03/26): Concarneau-VAFC (Home) J27 (27/03/26): VAFC-Aubagne (Away) J28 (03/04/26): Quevilly-VAFC (Home) J29 (10/04/26): VAFC-Versailles (Away) J30 (17/04/26): Fleury-VAFC (Home) J31 (24/04/26): VAFC-Dijon (Away) J32 (01/05/26): Sochaux-VAFC (Away) J33 (08/05/26): Bourg-VAFC (Home) J34 (15/05/26) : VAFC-Châteauroux 4
Turkish Posted Thursday at 16:59 Posted Thursday at 16:59 1 minute ago, ChristopheVAFC said: The VAFC calendar for the 2025/26 season is out! You've all been waiting for it - it's finally out! On Thursday, the FFF revealed the National Championship fixture list for the 2025/26 season. Note that VAFC will kick off their season at home to Le Puy on Friday 15 August. Here is the calendar in detail, day by day First phase: (Away) J1 (08/08/25): Châteauroux-VAFC (Home) J2 (15/08/25): VAFC-Le Puy (Away) J3 (22/08/25): Orléans-VAFC (Home) J4 (29/08/25): VAFC-Rouen (Away) J5 (05/09/25) : Saint-Brieuc-VAFC (Home) J6 (12/09/25) : VAFC-Paris 13 (Away) J7 (19/09/25): Caen-VAFC (Home) J8 (26/09/25): VAFC-Villefranche (Away) J9 (03/10/25): Ajaccio- VAFC (Home) J10 (17/10/25): VAFC-Concarneau (Away) J11 (21/10/25): Aubagne-VAFC (Home) J12 (31/10/25): VAFC- Quevilly (Away) J13 (07/11/25): Versailles-VAFC (Home) J14 (21/11/25): VAFC-Fleury (Away) J15 (05/12/25): Dijon-VAFC (Home) J16 (12/12/25): VAFC-Sochaux (Home) J17 (16/01/26): VAFC-Bourg Second phase: (Away) J18 (23/01/26): Le Puy-VAFC (Home) J19 (30/01/26): VAFC-Orléans (Away) J20 (06/02/26): Rouen-VAFC (Home) J21 (13/02/26): VAFC-Saint-Brieuc (Away) J22 (20/02/26): Paris 13-VAFC (Home) J23 (27/02/26) : VAFC-Caen (Away) J24 (06/03/26): Villefranche-VAFC (Home) J25 (13/03/26): VAFC-Ajaccio (Away) J26 (20/03/26): Concarneau-VAFC (Home) J27 (27/03/26): VAFC-Aubagne (Away) J28 (03/04/26): Quevilly-VAFC (Home) J29 (10/04/26): VAFC-Versailles (Away) J30 (17/04/26): Fleury-VAFC (Home) J31 (24/04/26): VAFC-Dijon (Away) J32 (01/05/26): Sochaux-VAFC (Away) J33 (08/05/26): Bourg-VAFC (Home) J34 (15/05/26) : VAFC-Châteauroux cheers, buzzing for this.
Holmes_and_Watson Posted Friday at 06:18 Posted Friday at 06:18 13 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said: The VAFC calendar for the 2025/26 season is out! You've all been waiting for it - it's finally out! On Thursday, the FFF revealed the National Championship fixture list for the 2025/26 season. Note that VAFC will kick off their season at home to Le Puy on Friday 15 August. Here is the calendar in detail, day by day First phase: (Away) J1 (08/08/25): Châteauroux-VAFC (Home) J2 (15/08/25): VAFC-Le Puy (Away) J3 (22/08/25): Orléans-VAFC (Home) J4 (29/08/25): VAFC-Rouen (Away) J5 (05/09/25) : Saint-Brieuc-VAFC (Home) J6 (12/09/25) : VAFC-Paris 13 (Away) J7 (19/09/25): Caen-VAFC (Home) J8 (26/09/25): VAFC-Villefranche (Away) J9 (03/10/25): Ajaccio- VAFC (Home) J10 (17/10/25): VAFC-Concarneau (Away) J11 (21/10/25): Aubagne-VAFC (Home) J12 (31/10/25): VAFC- Quevilly (Away) J13 (07/11/25): Versailles-VAFC (Home) J14 (21/11/25): VAFC-Fleury (Away) J15 (05/12/25): Dijon-VAFC (Home) J16 (12/12/25): VAFC-Sochaux (Home) J17 (16/01/26): VAFC-Bourg Second phase: (Away) J18 (23/01/26): Le Puy-VAFC (Home) J19 (30/01/26): VAFC-Orléans (Away) J20 (06/02/26): Rouen-VAFC (Home) J21 (13/02/26): VAFC-Saint-Brieuc (Away) J22 (20/02/26): Paris 13-VAFC (Home) J23 (27/02/26) : VAFC-Caen (Away) J24 (06/03/26): Villefranche-VAFC (Home) J25 (13/03/26): VAFC-Ajaccio (Away) J26 (20/03/26): Concarneau-VAFC (Home) J27 (27/03/26): VAFC-Aubagne (Away) J28 (03/04/26): Quevilly-VAFC (Home) J29 (10/04/26): VAFC-Versailles (Away) J30 (17/04/26): Fleury-VAFC (Home) J31 (24/04/26): VAFC-Dijon (Away) J32 (01/05/26): Sochaux-VAFC (Away) J33 (08/05/26): Bourg-VAFC (Home) J34 (15/05/26) : VAFC-Châteauroux Thanks Christophe! Looking forward to Friday night football and a successful season. Allez VA! 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted Friday at 06:36 Posted Friday at 06:36 Today's press article by Julien Dufurier from 'La Voix du Nord': https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1607578/article/2025-07-18/vafc-un-autre-monde-southampton-c-est-la-creme-anglaise-pour-valenciennes Quote VAFC: ‘Another world’, Southampton is the crème anglaise for Valenciennes Until Friday evening, Valenciennes are on a training camp in Southampton at the facilities of their owner Sport Republic's flagship club. In ideal conditions, the focus is on tactical development and team cohesion. The hotel, located to the north of Southampton, has everything it takes to welcome a football team. The people from Valenciennes have their own space here, while mingling with the other guests, particularly those from the impressive gym installed on the premises. The lovely swimming pool? Stéphane Moulin and his players are clearly not here for that and spend a good part of their stay on the green lawns of the Staplewood Campus. Half an hour south, on the other side of the River Test, Southampton FC's training centre is a jewel of almost twenty hectares and further proof of the expertise of British gardeners. Go-karting, a visit to the stadium and plenty of training Since Sunday, the Nordic outfit have been enjoying the benefits of belonging to a group with several teams, while benefiting from the facilities of their owner's flagship club, Sport Republic. What National side can boast of having a pre-season training camp in the usual surroundings of a team that was still in the Premier League last season? Already well equipped with the Stade du Hainaut and Mont-Houy, VAFC have moved up a gear on the other side of the Channel. ‘We're in optimal conditions here, it's a different world,’ admits Alain Ipiele, one of the twelve new recruits in the off-season. Magnificent," confirms attacking midfielder Samy Baghdadi. The most important thing is the pitch, but it's still nice to be in these conditions. ‘It's an important moment, we get to know each other, we reach out to each other’ Stredair Appuah The setting is great, but the Northerners do not forget the essence of this week, which is the launchpad for their season and the starting point of a great collective adventure. Stredair Appuah, once again loaned to VA, grew up in England and sometimes plays the role of translator for his teammates. "This is an important moment, we are getting to know each other, we are moving towards each other," assures the attacking midfielder, pleased to be able to have a full season in the North. Two one-hour matches against Southampton Stéphane Moulin and his team stacked training sessions twice a day on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, the morning training was followed by a go-karting activity where some talents were revealed. "Jean (Louchet) was good, in my group Sambou (Sissoko) and Samy Baghdadi were quite good too. Me? I respect the rules of the road," laughs Alain Ipiele whose speed is more expected on the left flank. The visit to Saint Mary's Stadium, the home of the Saints, on Thursday was another one of those moments that allowed the players to get to know each other off the field. They will reunite this Friday at 11 AM local time, with two one-hour matches against Southampton. 2
ChristopheVAFC Posted Friday at 06:39 Posted Friday at 06:39 Second newspaper article of the day by Julien Dufurier from 'La Voix du Nord': https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1607583/article/2025-07-18/vafc-j-ai-envie-de-faire-plus-stredair-appuah-veut-hausser-le-niveau-pour-son Quote VAFC: "I want to do more," Stredair Appuah wants to raise his game for his new loan After six convincing months last year, Stredair Appuah was loaned back to Valenciennes, with the firm intention of improving further compared to last season. Stredair, how did your return to VA come about? "First of all, you should know that since the beginning of my career, I haven't been able to play a full season in the same place. At the end of the season, I didn't return to Italy (he belongs to Palermo), I stayed in France. And when we reconnected, I was interested, I listened even though there were other clubs as well. I spoke to the coach on the phone, who was very clear about what he wanted to implement, which made me want to come back." » Being asked to sign a new loan is also a recognition of your performances from last season… "Yes, and it's definitely a nice boost for the ego. There were some good things, but not everything was perfect either. That's why spending a full season here appealed to me. I want to do more, to be more decisive." You're returning to a club that has changed a lot, with a new coach, twelve new recruits… "I know the place now, but it's true that there have been changes. That's why a camp like the one we're doing is important; it's good to spend time together." The recruitment process is enticing, especially offensively; there's going to be competition… "And that's great! A player who feels settled tends to lose focus. Competition lifts everyone up."
ChristopheVAFC Posted Friday at 06:43 Posted Friday at 06:43 Visit to Saint Mary's Stadium for Valenciennes yesterday! 3
ChristopheVAFC Posted Friday at 15:32 Posted Friday at 15:32 Reaction from Valenciennes coach Stéphane Moulin after Southampton/VAFC: -> Stéphane, VA, just played Southampton twice in two different matches (1-1) and (1-0). What did you take away from this double encounter? The first match was very interesting against strong opposition. We were already able to stop this Southampton team as a team. We certainly suffered, but we showed a lot of consistency in our play without the ball and with it, although I hope we'll do better! But the emphasis during the training camp was precisely on the defensive aspect, and I think we showed a bit of a difference in that area, so it's rather positive. And then the second match, with players who were a little less connected, I would say, because they didn't play much together, I would say the opposition also lived up to my expectations. Even though we lost the match 1-0, we could have equalized. We had a magnificent chance with three minutes left, but the balance of power wasn't in our favor. But I think we were able, with our resources, to keep up the good work and survive at times. That's interesting for the future because the foundation of the training camp was once again cohesion, both off the pitch and on the pitch, but also, once again, the collective aspect of the defensive aspect. So I think that in this area, we've made good progress, we've made good progress. There's still work to be done, obviously, but we're on the right track. --> With an intensity worthy of a competitive match! It was a "Yes!" After all, the English are also fond of this kind of opposition. There are no friendlies for them. And then, well, we have exceptional working conditions. The pitch was watered, the weather was nice, so everything was in place for a good match, and it was a good match, so it's interesting. Now we're going to rest well to get on with the third week of work next week with two matches on the schedule. And we're going to work a little more on the matches than on the week's work. --> This double match concludes a six-day training camp in Southampton. What is your assessment of this training camp? Are you satisfied? Yes, it's positive! We found what we came looking for, once again: cohesion on and off the pitch, that the players get to know each other, that we get to know them too, and also connections on the pitch because that's the essence of our job, and I think that in this area too, we're making progress. We had remarkable conditions, both in terms of infrastructure. The pitch is quite incredible, the quality of the fields, and we were also fortunate to have favorable weather. So that enhances everything we've put in place, so it's a positive training camp; we have no injuries. We're going into the third week of training, and we have no injuries, so that's also important because when you have too many injuries, you end up shooting the same ones and therefore risk increasing the number of injuries. So, no, it was a really good training camp in all areas. So I'd say it was a success. --> Thank you very much Stéphane! 1
ChristopheVAFC Posted Friday at 17:23 Posted Friday at 17:23 https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1607833/article/2025-07-18/vafc-du-caractere-et-des-progres-pour-finir-la-semaine-anglaise-de-valenciennes Quote VAFC: Character and Progress to End Valenciennes' English Week Valenciennes concluded their training camp in England with two one-hour matches against former Premier League opponents Southampton, resulting in a 1-1 draw and a narrow 1-0 defeat. But the puzzle is taking shape, and progress is already noticeable. Match 1: Intensity and Character With the team approaching the outline of the starting lineup Stéphane Moulin has in mind, VA did more than just resist Southampton. This first hour, above all, allowed us to observe a well-established VAFC, capable of projecting itself and with an already solid team unit. Almost three weeks after the restart, against an opponent who is at the same stage of their preparation and has been relegated from the Premier League, VA displayed the intensity. Quite logically ahead thanks to Samy Baghdadi, VA caused a lot of problems for Will Still's team, whose players eventually grew frustrated at not creating any chances. By constantly letting his foot drag, Nathan Wood really irritated Gaetan Courtet, and things got heated between the two, who were booked and forced to be separated. But by refusing to step on each other, Courtet also sent a message: this VAFC will not lack character. Southampton – Valenciennes: 1-1 Goals: Baghdadi (16th), for VA, Archer (46th) for Southampton (4-2-3-1) Louchet; Adu, Coeff, Thomas (cap), Wahib; K. Diomande, Rouai; Appauh, Baghdadi, Ipiele; Courtet. Foreigner: Stéphane Moulin Match 2: Playing Time and More Adjustments For the second match, Moulin changed the entire team and made further changes along the way to give everyone at least half an hour of play. Samir Belloumou played the first few minutes. After falling behind early on, the Northerners struggled to make an impact offensively in this second round, which was not nearly as intense as the first. Southampton – VAFC: 1-0 Goals: Armstrong (11th) Match 2: (4-3-3 low point) Lacombe; A. Diomande, Niakate (Kebbeh 30th), Tremoulet, Koum; Belloumou (Boissier 30th); Sissoko (cap), Collet (Moursou 30th); Buades (Kouakou 44th), Oyewusi, Kouakou (Nyemb 30th). The statement: "Things are moving in the right direction." "In the first match, I thought we were solid defensively and rewarded for recovering high balls. Regarding what we wanted to show in terms of progress, things are moving forward," said the Valenciennes coach. "We're still three weeks away from the first match, but we're moving in the right direction. Without the ball, it's positive; we still have work to do with it. It's a draw and a narrow defeat, but given the opposition, we have to put things into perspective." The discovery: Derrick Abu, brilliant first-team player Absent from the match against QRM, the English right-back was fielded for the first hour and left a very good impression against his former club. Lively and already comfortable in his partnership with Stredair Appuah, the young Briton put in a promising performance. With him and Ahmed Diomande, the right wing will be well guarded.
SuperSAINT Posted Friday at 17:35 Posted Friday at 17:35 11 minutes ago, ChristopheVAFC said: https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1607833/article/2025-07-18/vafc-du-caractere-et-des-progres-pour-finir-la-semaine-anglaise-de-valenciennes Not going to lie, reading about Derek Abu makes me pretty happy. Going to be a good signing for you. 1
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