Valenciennes

[Toadhall Saint]

2 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Hello friends, how are you today?

News from Valenciennes, who are back in league action tonight with an away game at Dijon.

Our team did not play last week because it was the French Cup, but a friendly match against Boulogne sur Mer (League 2) was still organised, ending in a 2-2 draw.

Tonight's match is the penultimate game before the winter break. It will be a tough away game against the second-placed team in the league (VA is 12th out of 17).

I'm predicting a draw tonight, but I expect it to be a difficult match on the pitch of an opponent who is having a good season.

As usual, I'm sharing the YouTube link to tonight's match below:

Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m. French time.

I'm also sharing two press articles (one from last week and one from today).

Allez VA !

Bon chance!

[ChristopheVAFC]

Good evening, friends.

The match between Dijon and Valenciennes has just ended...

A heavy defeat against the second-placed team in the league, with a score of 4-1...

The season is proving more difficult than expected, even though the recruitment has been fairly consistent...

Players who know the league and performed well last season...

I can't understand it, but I think the end-of-year holidays will do us good and I think the club will be active in the transfer market next January...

Have a great evening everyone and come on Valenciennes!

[Holmes_and_Watson]

A grim showing from VA.

4-1, with our Rento getting the 1 on 89 mins, as he sped between defenders. Dijon had 2 chances shortly before that and 1 shortly after, to have made it 5.

The first came from a clearance that instead arced high and back into the VA box. The keeper parried the close range shot only for it to be put in on the rebound from that. The clearance wasn't the worst thing. It's only 4 mins into the match. It was the first head going down and that the whole defence were shown to be less reactive and quick.

A second came shortly before half time. VA not strong enough to carry the ball anywhere. No surprise when it's taken from them, and an excellent shot finishes the move.

VA's amazing team talks continue. A few minutes into the second half and they pass to nowhere. Dijon pick it up, work it with few passes into the box, where the scorer ghosts past the defence.

Dijon's final goal was a header where the VA defender was easily outmuscled.

VA were brushed aside in that game. Dijon didn't have to put in too much of a fight to be easy winners.

 

[Weston Super Saint]

11 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

The season is proving more difficult than expected, even though the recruitment has been fairly consistent...

Players who know the league and performed well last season...

Welcome to our world!

'Tis the Southampton SR way.

[Convict Colony]

12 hours ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

A grim showing from VA.

4-1, with our Rento getting the 1 on 89 mins, as he sped between defenders. Dijon had 2 chances shortly before that and 1 shortly after, to have made it 5.

The first came from a clearance that instead arced high and back into the VA box. The keeper parried the close range shot only for it to be put in on the rebound from that. The clearance wasn't the worst thing. It's only 4 mins into the match. It was the first head going down and that the whole defence were shown to be less reactive and quick.

A second came shortly before half time. VA not strong enough to carry the ball anywhere. No surprise when it's taken from them, and an excellent shot finishes the move.

VA's amazing team talks continue. A few minutes into the second half and they pass to nowhere. Dijon pick it up, work it with few passes into the box, where the scorer ghosts past the defence.

Dijon's final goal was a header where the VA defender was easily outmuscled.

VA were brushed aside in that game. Dijon didn't have to put in too much of a fight to be easy winners.

 

Your doing a good service bro keep it up I read them.

VA being horrific, Fred must be on suicide watch.

[SuperSAINT]

36 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

Your doing a good service bro keep it up I read them.

VA being horrific, Fred must be on suicide watch.

#FredWatch

[FredVaFC59100]

5 hours ago, SuperSAINT said:

#FredWatch

is SR out yet ?

Wake me up before they go go.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello friends, I hope you are all well?

Today is Valenciennes' last league match of 2025.

They are hosting FC Sochaux Montbéliard, who are currently at the top of the league, at the Stade du Hainaut.

It will be a difficult match tonight against a confident team who are currently on a roll.

Two former players (Julien Masson and Aymen Boutoutaou) are returning to Valenciennes, as is our former coach from last year (Vincent Hognon).

It's a difficult situation with the fans unhappy and the team coming off a heavy defeat at Dijon last week (4-1). It won't be easy for anyone tonight...

I'm hoping for a draw tonight, which would be very good given the current situation.

The match kicks off at 7.30pm French time and can be watched on YouTube via the link below:

Have a great day and a good weekend.

Allez VA !

[ChristopheVAFC]

"Raised in every way," a week of high tension in Valenciennes

From the thrashing in Dijon (4-1) to this final match of the year against Sochaux, Valenciennes endured a difficult week trying to recover, come to terms with the disappointment of their first half of the season, and focus on the essential adjustments needed.

The radio silence that followed the Valenciennes players' match in Dijon continued on the bus ride home, a journey that must have seemed endless before their arrival at Mont-Houy at 3:30 a.m. The next day, Stéphane Moulin tried to recover from a sleepless night and a match whose content had "frightened" him, while his assistant, Patrice Sauvaget, watched the reserve team's match featuring Samy Baghdadi and Mark Inchaud, two summer signings from whom much more was expected. The victory and first place for Pierre Blois's team are obviously not enough to overshadow the oppressive atmosphere that has descended upon Valenciennes.

The owners were not pleased.

The performance in Dijon stunned many: the fans, of course, whose banner ("You're a bunch of...") served as a welcoming committee upon their return from Burgundy, but also internally, where the feeling of failure is widespread. This includes the very highest levels of Sport Republic. The thrashing against Dijon, and more broadly, the first few months of the season, have considerably irritated even Dragan Solak, the owner and main financier of the investment fund that owns Valenciennes. The Serbian billionaire had, until now, excelled at delegating and keeping a watchful eye on things from afar since acquiring Valenciennes.

"We misjudged the individual and collective value of this team." - Stéphane Moulin

“In those moments, when nothing is going right, we get a lot of flak from everyone, and rightly so,” admits Stéphane Moulin, who has even more opportunity to sense the immense disappointment while chatting with some supporters after Wednesday’s training session. Faced with the defeat in the Dijon match, the coaching staff doesn’t want to dwell on the team; the focus is on simple things to avoid further damaging their badly shaken confidence, even though the question of their overall level can no longer be ignored.

It becomes all too obvious as soon as the opponent is a bit tougher, like against Fleury, Dijon, or the upcoming Sochaux match. “We made a mistake in analyzing the individual and collective value of this team. And I do mean ‘we,’” emphasizes Stéphane Moulin. “We made mistakes, but I take full responsibility, and I work with the players I have.” "For now, it's not what we expected; obviously, it's far from sufficient."

Decimated Central Defense

While the past week has been difficult at all levels, the coming weeks will be marked by the urgent need to strengthen the team, target the right players, and shake things up. It's no longer a possibility; it's now a necessity. With all this going on, we almost forget that there's a match to play. Facing Sochaux, who arrive firmly entrenched in the top three with their three former Valenciennes players – Vincent Hognon, Julien Masson, and Aymen Boutoutaou – whose mere presence will further highlight the choices made last summer. Since the headwinds continue to blow in gusts, Valenciennes will field a central defense that is both decimated and experimental due to the absences of Thomas, Coeff, and Landre. All this in an atmosphere that reeks of tension in the stands.

Those who attend will see Valenciennes sporting a new shirt sponsor (Burger King), officially announced on Thursday, which seems to be the only bright spot in recent days. As has often been the case since Sport Republic took over, VAFC has been far more effective behind the scenes than on the pitch. It's never too late to offer a more nuanced perspective and add a touch of color to what has been a rather gloomy week so far.

VAFC – Sochaux, Friday at 7:30 pm at the Stade du Hainaut. Unavailable: Landre, Coeff, Thomas, Baghdadi, Collet (injured), Belloumou, Inchaud (doubtful)

[spyinthesky]

Bonne chance Christophe.

[ChristopheVAFC]

1 hour ago, spyinthesky said:

Bonne chance Christophe.

Thank you 🙂

[Holmes_and_Watson]

A fan protest going into added time in the second half, not only prolonged the tedium of this one, but got the match abandoned.

Tensions between SR and the support have reached a new level. I imagine Sochaux will get awarded the points, possibly a 3-0 win by default and VA will be in some bother.

The channel tried to fill some time by showing the highlights, only to find there weren't any.

A nice drop into midfield space after 5 mins, allowed a first time ball into a channel. 2 VA defenders could have cleared it. Neither took responsibility and conspired to allow a crisp shot away for the opener.

And that was it for Sochaux. They only had to watch VA fail to make a correct decision or pass in the final third. And that's what they did. 

There was a brief glimmer when Our Rento came on around 72 mins. As much the novelty of having someone to pass to. He did get in between the defence and the keeper. Other strikers might have got the ball on goal and taken the hit. Rento put it wide.

There had been a VA shot well over the bar on 67. That only became a shot after the first player slipped. A couple of other efforts went tamely at their keeper. That was despite VA actually having some numbers up. They have no idea what to do with it, and overcompensate or panic.

Pretty much the same as we've seen for most of the season. Now with added desperation and lower confidence.

Keen SR watchers are seeing one genius all-in approach, being abandoned for the next all different, but still all-genius approach fall flat on its face too.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Valenciennes – Sochaux: Tense situation with supporters, match abandoned

During Valenciennes' match against Sochaux for the 16th round of the National league, some supporters left the stands and attempted to enter the pitch while the Hainaut club was trailing. They were quickly stopped by around thirty stewards. The referee abandoned the match.

With Sochaux leading 1-0 at the start of stoppage time, several Valenciennes supporters left their section and tried to invade the pitch at the Stade du Hainaut. Around thirty stewards quickly intervened to prevent them. Faced with the situation, the referee decided to immediately stop the match and sent the 22 players back to the dressing rooms.

The match was abandoned

Around thirty helmeted police officers positioned themselves at the entrance to the tunnel to prevent supporters from accessing the Valenciennes stadium. The club's general manager, Yoann Godin, went to speak with them while they were still on the sidelines. It was no use…

At 10:05 p.m., after more than thirty tense minutes, the referee decided to abandon the match.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Just got back from the stadium...

To be honest with you, friends, it was a tough night...

I told you it would be a complicated and difficult match, and unfortunately that's how it turned out...

We started the game badly with a defensive error that cost us the only goal of the match in the 5th minute, scored by Aymen BOUTOUTAOU, a former Valenciennes player who was still with us last season...

As usual, we were unable to come back and the game continued...

In the 90th minute, angry fans tried to storm the pitch but were blocked by around 50 stewards...

The game was stopped for almost an hour before the announcer declared it over for good...

May the holiday season be good to everyone, and I expect a lot more changes in January...

Have a great night, friends!

[Dusic]

Probably time for SR to get Rasmus more involved at Valenciennes after seeing how well Goztepe have done under his leadership.

[ChristopheVAFC]

8 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Probably time for SR to get Rasmus more involved at Valenciennes after seeing how well Goztepe have done under his leadership.

This is the first time I've seen this at the Stade du Hainaut since it opened in 2011...

I'm sad tonight, because we all would have liked the season to go much better...

As for SR, given that Southampton is doing better and things are going well at Goztepe, I think they'll work to make things better at Valenciennes, that's what I tell myself...

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Source:L'Equipe:

The French federation’s commission is due to meet on Thursday to decide the match’s fate, with a forfeit Sochaux win under consideration. Valenciennes have won one of their last eight and sit 13th, and could face disciplinary sanctions. The club deplored the behaviour in the stands.

[SuperSAINT]

Maybe Ben Chorley did a decent job after all?

[ChristopheVAFC]

8 hours ago, SuperSAINT said:

Maybe Ben Chorley did a decent job after all?

Many here said that Ben Chorley was primarily responsible for the sporting situation in any case...

[ChristopheVAFC]

Mercato, sanctions, supporters… Valenciennes a cinq semaines de chantier pour s’en remettre - La Voix du Nord

Quote

Transfer window, sanctions, fans… Valenciennes has five weeks of rebuilding to recover

Between now and January 16th, the date of their next match, VA must reshape their team and manage the fallout from the incidents that occurred during the match against Sochaux.

What changes are expected in the team?

Valenciennes finishes the year, and practically the first half of the season, in 13th place, far too far from their initial expectations, and the first few months of competition have highlighted the shortcomings of a team that is nowhere near as competitive as expected. Their performance on Friday against Sochaux was much more reassuring than a week earlier against Dijon, but… “The observation that this level of play isn’t what everyone expected didn’t start with the Dijon match. It’s something we’ve been seeing coming with each passing game. Dijon is the beacon,” Stéphane Moulin reminded everyone before the Sochaux match. We made mistakes in our individual and collective analysis of this team. More than just adjustments will be needed to show a different side of ourselves. It's essential.

The issues of players who are far too often injured (Inchaud, Thomas, Belloumou), those who have disappointed (Ipiele, Baghdadi…), and those who are no longer seen (Basse, Sissoko) are all on the table. Offensively, Gaëtan Courtet was supposed to be an experienced player to mentor younger players, but at 36, he's simply accumulating minutes because no one else is emerging. The only bright spots are Rento Takaoka and Ylan El Hadary, while Thibaut Maréchal has established himself since the reserve team and deserves another chance. Otherwise, there's work to be done everywhere.

What sanctions will be imposed after the incidents?

It's clear that Valenciennes will lose the match against Sochaux, but what fate awaits the federation's governing bodies, who manage the National league, after the attempted pitch invasion and the match's abandonment? Fines, point deductions, matches behind closed doors—the range of sanctions is wide for VAFC, who will be summoned to explain themselves this week or next. The fact that no one entered the pitch will be taken into account in their defense. "We're crossing our fingers that the consequences will only be a defeat," confided general manager Yoann Godin on Friday evening.

What about the relationship with the fans?

Friday night's incidents have deeply affected the club. The attempted pitch invasion is far from being condoned by all Valenciennes supporters, but it was acknowledged and claimed by several groups in a very aggressive statement published on Saturday. No regrets, no excuses in this statement, a response to the one published by Valenciennes on Friday, which promised to be "totally uncompromising towards those identified as responsible for the events." In a club where dialogue with supporters was a shared goal, Friday night marked a real turning point. The long break will at least allow tempers to cool, but these unprecedented events at Valenciennes will inevitably leave their mark.

 

[FredVaFC59100]

19 hours ago, SuperSAINT said:

Maybe Ben Chorley did a decent job after all?

Getting us relegated to National and failing to get us back up the next year as he promised in May 2024?

Do you want your money back on Joachim Kayi Sanda that he proudly claimed to be the best CB in world in an interview on VAFC website in April 2024?

How well is he fairing now at SFC?

The guy is a fraud just like the other 2 stooges Rasmus and Ankersen that cofounded the SR scam.

Edited Monday at 17:44 by FredVaFC59100

[Holmes_and_Watson]

On 12/12/2025 at 22:12, ChristopheVAFC said:

This is the first time I've seen this at the Stade du Hainaut since it opened in 2011...

I'm sad tonight, because we all would have liked the season to go much better...

As for SR, given that Southampton is doing better and things are going well at Goztepe, I think they'll work to make things better at Valenciennes, that's what I tell myself...

I take your point about us doing better as in recent results. But overall it's two relegations with a whimper combined with numerous system, manager and squad turnover by a group who really haven't a clue, yet are still convinced by their takeover model. 

9 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Mercato, sanctions, supporters… Valenciennes a cinq semaines de chantier pour s’en remettre - La Voix du Nord

 

Thanks for these additional articles.

It's another one I've a few points about. While the Dijon scoreline was high, there was nothing in that game we hadn't seen all season. Moulin is right about that. VA did manage to put together a much better passing game. But that was one match, ages ago. Apart from that they have been out drilled, out thought and out fought right across the park.

Having a manager draw lines in the sand that performances ignore, indicates it could be time for another change.  Not helped by the previous manager and players in the promotion hunt without having to shine too brightly.

Alternatively, yet another change in recruitment responsibilities, this year's squad being told they're playing for a future with the club, and a very busy transfer window. SR's track record is dismal in such things. Only 1 club already having been ejected and 2 more who are miles off stops VA having to worry too much about yet another drop. The inclusion of a points deduction as a punishment, seems harsh. But would really be a worry.

I'd even argue about the bright spots. With VA's resources, in the last 2 seasons it should not have been impossible to determine a successful system for this league, and the one above. Getting in a core of winning personalities is made easier by such a budget. Players with drive, spirit and importantly, resilience. 

Instead, SR went on a mission of cultural flip flopping, never understanding the key pieces needed for their puzzle.

Courtet, if anything, tries too hard. It affects his actual role in the team. If others aren't showing support for him, and commitment why are conversations not taking place months ago? If he's all SR really have up front, then the system should have changed long before now. I'd have expected targets to have been identified for early window arrival.

Rento looks bright because he's a sub. Having another attacker to contend with takes some opponents by surprise, as they're not troubled much. He's quick and keen. But fades quickly as there's no real support or plan for him either. El Hadary is a better player in an underperforming bunch. It's a low bar and he's not enough to make the team work.

This team have shown they can play better. But the mentality to do so seems to be long gone. Getting back to that, by instilling practised team work is the manager's job.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

https://www.va-fc.com/articles/31856

Dirk Gerkens, President of VAFC, reviews the first half of the season

President of VAFC since January 2025, Dirk Gerkens addressed the club's current difficulties in a lengthy interview. He didn't shy away from any topic, discussing results, finances, and the future, and reviewed the first half of the season.

- After 15 National league matches, VAFC sits 13th in the standings with 16 points. What is your assessment of the first half of the season?

It's obviously disappointing, given the resources we've invested, both financially and in terms of our sporting performance. Our ambition was, and remains, to be at the top of the table. But for now, it's a major disappointment on the pitch.

- How do you explain this situation?

It's hard to understand. With the budget we have, the players we have, and the coach we have, nobody can really explain how we've ended up where we are today. Perhaps we need time to integrate the players and build team cohesion, but that's all. We haven't been spared from injuries either. But otherwise, I sometimes felt that some players could have done more. We undoubtedly have the best financial and sporting conditions in the National league. But the trade-off is that the players give their all and fight for Valenciennes' values. It has to be said that this wasn't always the case in the first half of the season. So I expect a change of attitude in 2026.

- Under these circumstances, is Stéphane Moulin still the right man for the job?

Yes. We've had a long discussion. And I think we're very lucky to have someone like Stéphane Moulin as our coach, someone with a wealth of experience. He has our full support. We want to continue working with him and give him all the tools he needs to improve the situation and revitalize the team.

- What changes are you planning for the second half of the season to turn things around?

The most logical option is to strengthen the squad during the winter transfer window. We have a good core group of players, but we need to reinforce certain positions, whether it's up front, in midfield, or in defense.

- Will these arrivals during the transfer window necessarily involve departures?

Ideally, yes. We don't want to have an overstaffed squad. More broadly, we really want to do everything we can to climb back up the table. There's still more than half a season to play, and anything is still possible, even if the gap has widened compared to the leaders. But things can change very quickly in football, for better or for worse.

- During the last home match against Sochaux, some supporters tried to invade the pitch. What is your view on these events?

Let me be very clear. I understand the anger, I understand the distress, and I understand the frustration in the stands. I myself am very frustrated right now. However, the incidents that occurred on Friday are completely unacceptable, and I strongly condemn them. We don't need this. It really doesn't help the club or the players in any way. All of this risks harming us in terms of sanctions. And again, we really don't need this right now.

- It's been two and a half years since Sport Republic acquired Valenciennes FC. The group has already invested more than 30 million euros in the club, but the results haven't materialized. As a shareholder, are you frustrated by this situation?

Absolutely. We've invested a huge amount of money in the club. The initial goal was to get promoted back to Ligue 1, not to end up in the National league. So yes, we're obviously disappointed on the pitch. And then there's another factor, which unfortunately isn't the club's responsibility: the overall state of the French football economy. Since our arrival in 2023, many things have changed negatively regarding television rights following the successive withdrawals of various rights holders. All of this has had a direct impact on the financial situation of French football, whether in Ligue 1, Ligue 2, or the National league. Today, even if we get promoted back to Ligue 2, it won't improve the club's revenue. And that's obviously a significant loss. It's something we can't ignore.

- Given these difficulties, will the shareholder's financial support continue?

Yes, Sport Republic will continue to support Valenciennes. I would like to remind everyone that since his arrival, the shareholder has invested an enormous amount of resources, unlike any other shareholder in the club's history. Our investment exceeds 30 million euros, and we haven't seen any return on that investment yet. We too often tend to forget these very significant financial sacrifices made by Sport Republic. I also feel that we are sometimes disrespected, considering everything that has been done to restructure the club over the past two and a half years. It's a shame to have such short memories, but that's the way it is.

However, VAFC can no longer ignore the new economic reality facing all French clubs. Therefore, we will have to adapt, and this will necessarily involve a reduction in our financial resources.

- What is your response to the criticism regarding Sport Republic's lack of daily presence in Valenciennes?

Let me be perfectly clear: VAFC is neither managed nor run from abroad. The club is entirely managed in France, with a French general manager, a French sporting coordinator, and a French coach. It's not run like a satellite club. We don't impose players. Proof of this is that we don't see a dozen Southampton players arriving in the first team every season. Almost all the players in the current squad come from the French market. It's important to acknowledge this because it's the reality.

[FredVaFC59100]

1 hour ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Dirk Gerkens, President of VAFC, reviews the first half of the season

What is your response to the criticism regarding Sport Republic's lack of daily presence in Valenciennes?

Let me be perfectly clear: VAFC is neither managed nor run from abroad. The club is entirely managed in France, with a French general manager, a French sporting coordinator, and a French coach. It's not run like a satellite club. We don't impose players. Proof of this is that we don't see a dozen Southampton players arriving in the first team every season. Almost all the players in the current squad come from the French market. It's important to acknowledge this because it's the reality.

Who is he fooling ? this is a joke. The only reason the farm club project is not yet in full swing is because it does not benefic SFC to send players to French 3rd level league. If we ever get promoted then VAFC will be not nothing but a farm team with no prospect, just like Troyes FC or RC Strasbourg are to their respective UK owners.  I'd rather be relegated to 5th league than participate in this Multi-club ownership bull$h!t.

The phrasing of "We don't impose players" is quite telling; he does not identify himself as VAFC president first, but as SR manager. F him.

Edited yesterday at 19:57 by FredVaFC59100

[Doctoroncall]

16 hours ago, FredVaFC59100 said:

Who is he fooling ? this is a joke. The only reason the farm club project is not yet in full swing is because it does not benefic SFC to send players to French 3rd level league. If we ever get promoted then VAFC will be not nothing but a farm team with no prospect, just like Troyes FC or RC Strasbourg are to their respective UK owners.  I'd rather be relegated to 5th league than participate in this Multi-club ownership bull$h!t.

The phrasing of "We don't impose players" is quite telling; he does not identify himself as VAFC president first, but as SR manager. F him.

I’d like to know what he means by 30m euros invested. Seems a travesty and total ineptitude to put in that sum and see the team languishing so low in the third division. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

3 hours ago, Doctoroncall said:

I’d like to know what he means by 30m euros invested. Seems a travesty and total ineptitude to put in that sum and see the team languishing so low in the third division. 

 

21 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

- Given these difficulties, will the shareholder's financial support continue?

Yes, Sport Republic will continue to support Valenciennes. I would like to remind everyone that since his arrival, the shareholder has invested an enormous amount of resources, unlike any other shareholder in the club's history. Our investment exceeds 30 million euros, and we haven't seen any return on that investment yet. We too often tend to forget these very significant financial sacrifices made by Sport Republic. I also feel that we are sometimes disrespected, considering everything that has been done to restructure the club over the past two and a half years. It's a shame to have such short memories, but that's the way it is.

However, VAFC can no longer ignore the new economic reality facing all French clubs. Therefore, we will have to adapt, and this will necessarily involve a reduction in our financial resources.

That was the comment that stood out for me. Lots of "we feel your pain, and are disappointed too" comments. But underneath that mask, how dare fans criticise them, after the money they've put in.

I've not seen many who don't admit the significant level of investment SR have made. But, and it's not just with SR in football, there's a disconnect between that figure, results and ability.

Lots of fans are successful professionals in their industries. Lots know competency and capability when they see it. Having people base respect on investment is laughable. Lots of fans are sitting there thankful they are not managing the fall out of fatally flawed business plans sinking their own operation.

Many clubs have been more successful than VA without the level of investment. If the money is wasted, then it can't be used as a defence against criticism.