Valenciennes

[ChristopheVAFC]

4 hours ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Is Rento Takoaka a decent prospect? He's still quite young but wonder could he step up?

I quite like Rento; he puts in a lot of effort, isn’t afraid to get stuck in despite his small stature, and never shies away from hard work. In my view, he deserves a bit more playing time.

 

So yes, he isn’t very tall and can’t quite compete with traditional players yet, but he’s very deserving.

 

I’d really like the club to keep him on for next season.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Good match everyone ❤️🤍

[ChristopheVAFC]

End game before few minutes.

Non win tonight...

0-0.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

0-0

That was grim. The highlights at the end make all the poor touches, passes and decision in between much better.

VA did get the ball in the net in added time. The ref blew before it got there. Either for a very soft foul on their keeper, or for comedy diving from a VA player to try and get a penalty.

Moments later, their forward heads the ball past the high VA defence. He's got a long run, one on one with Louchet, who blocks it.

Louchet had another decent block in the first half. He gets my VA player of the match. His falling over is on purpose.

VA missed a good chance when a player fell over his own feet rather than cut the ball back into the box. Courtet also tripped himself up trying to get a ball up from midfield.

Aubagne had fallen further and further into their defence in the second half. But VA offered no real coherent attack. The visiting keeper spilled a tame effort on 55 minutes, that VA didn't capitalise on. Other than that, it was snapshots. 

Appuah and Niakate had moments where it looked like they might link up. Passi looked the most likely to do something. He's the central defender, which says a lot about VA's attack.

Diomande was versatile, but was easily snuffed out tonight, and got subbed. Courtet was his usual, lonely frustrated self across the pitch.

VA may look at it as a point gained, ensuring their safety. But it was another disjointed effort from a tired looking side. Those 3 absentees were missed after all.

 

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well on the eve of one of your biggest matches of the season.

News from Valenciennes:

Following last Friday’s 0-0 home draw against Aubagne (who parked the bus and came away with a point), we’re now heading to the Stade Robert Diochon to face Quevilly Rouen Métropole, who are second from bottom in the league.

As for VA, we reckon they need two more wins to officially secure their place in National 1 (in Ligue 3 next year). Facing an opponent who don’t want to be relegated, it won’t be easy, but the Stade Robert Diochon holds fond memories for VA:

- Two years ago, the club beat FC Rouen at this very stadium to reach the semi-finals of the Coupe de France.

- Last January, again at the same venue, VA faced FC Rouen in the league; the home side, who were league leaders at the time, were beaten 2-1 by Valenciennes.

The bad news: Rento Takaoka has been ruled out with an injury sustained whilst on international duty. We don’t know the extent of his injury, but I hope he’ll be back soon!

The match kicks off at 7.30 pm French time and the link to the match is below:

I’ll be sharing articles from today’s press with you throughout the day.

Allez VA !

[Toadhall Saint]

Bon chance mon ami oh and safe travels!

[ChristopheVAFC]

Good evening, everyone.

Valenciennes’ unbeaten run has come to an end with a 3-2 defeat away to Quevilly Rouen.

I didn’t see the match, so I can’t really comment on it.

It’s a shame, as the team could have moved a step closer to securing their place in the league...

Have a good evening, everyone, and see you tomorrow 😁😁

[Holmes_and_Watson]

For those who haven't watched many games, the better team, with the V on the front of their shirts, isn't the well resourced Valenciennes team, dreaming of Ligue 1. It's hummel's QRM shirt.

Christophe mentioned that Our Rento would be missing tonight, through injury.

The coverage graphic had Ngoya in for Niakate, but with Niakate's number.  Neither would want to put their hand up for that one. Gave away a penalty for the first, didn't track the overlap for the second, and was left in the dust of their left winger (and MVP) for the third.

Saints have seen successive managers have to reach the same conclusions. Once again, Abi didn't start. So, we had a pile of attacking midfielders, Courtet dropping deep, wide or wherever he wants, and absolutely no one as an outlet. A side built on those who feel they have to start, over the system.

They did bring Abo on for the second half. Not coincidentally, VA looked a lot better, with Rouai being bright. Passi managed to get one back, with a bouncing header that beat the keeper.

Courtet got VA's second through perseverance, and his defender not winning the header he was favourite to clear. Other than that, he had a bit of a stinker. Everywhere across the midfield and attack, but with very little working.

He had a real chance to get a goal back, but fell oveclaiming a push for a penalty. The ref and the coverage didn't show enough for his legs to have collapsed.

As always, he's just the most noticeable. Others were just as ineffective. 

Appuah got sent off for having his boot high. In real time, and in every replay, the opponent dips his head down towards the ball. A yellow card was upgraded to a red either from a 4th official, or the ref seeing the injury for long enough. Very harsh. 

The evening's comedy moment came from two QRM players leaving their free kick to each other, and both running over the ball.

The recent form, under new management, has got VA clear of any real danger. If they are to stay ahead of the pack that belies their position, they'll need to have a couple more performances in them, better than the last two.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

https://www.va-fc.com/articles/33234

Injured, Rento Takaoka ends his season with VAFC

The season is over for Rento Takaoka! Having suffered a stress fracture in his foot whilst on international duty with Japan’s U19 side last March, the Japanese international has brought his spell with VAFC to a premature end.

He will be remembered

Having arrived last summer on loan from Southampton, he will forever remain the first Japanese player in the club’s history to have played for the first team. Scoring a brace in his very first home match for VA on 15 August 2025 against Le Puy (2-1), he will be remembered for his generosity and his constant smile.

Thank you for everything, Rento

After playing 16 matches and scoring three goals for the first team, the striker will continue his recovery in Japan. VAFC would like to thank Rento for his time at the club and wishes him all the best for the rest of his career.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well!

After a brilliant weekend last week in Southampton, I’m back in Valenciennes.

First off, congratulations again on your 15th and 16th unbeaten matches (against Arsenal and Wrexham).

Now is really the time to give it your all in this final stretch! I’m really rooting for you!

Here in Valenciennes, we still need a few more points to mathematically secure our place in National (League 3 next year). Last weekend’s defeat against Quevilly Rouen isn’t too serious, but we still need to pick up the remaining points as quickly as possible.

Valenciennes therefore have the chance to pick up points tonight at home at the Stade du Hainaut when they host FC Versailles.

As I announced yesterday, we have unfortunately lost Rento Takaoka for the rest of the season following an injury whilst on international duty with Japan. No other absentees at the moment.

A win tonight and we’ll be (almost) safe.

Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time. The match link is below:

Good day all !

Allez VA ! 

[spyinthesky]

Christophe,

Bon Chance ce soir.

Did you come over to Southampton for the Arsenal game?

[ChristopheVAFC]

25 minutes ago, spyinthesky said:

Christophe,

Bon Chance ce soir.

Did you come over to Southampton for the Arsenal game?

Hello, my friend.

Thank you for your best wishes for tonight’s match.

I came for two days last weekend and watched the match against Arsenal. What an incredible match!

I also visited your training ground, which is huge!

I had a perfect two days and a brilliant time!

[spyinthesky]

7 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Hello, my friend.

Thank you for your best wishes for tonight’s match.

I came for two days last weekend and watched the match against Arsenal. What an incredible match!

I also visited your training ground, which is huge!

I had a perfect two days and a brilliant time!

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip and witnessed us perform well.
Perhaps you are a lucky omen.
I am reminded of our record Premier League result a few years back when we trounced Sunderland 8-0.
Sat in front us was a chap from Australia who was visiting relatives in Southampton and had managed to get a ticket for his first visit to St Marys.
We all offered to chip in and pay for future visits to the ground as he was obviously a lucky charm!!
How did you manage to arrange a visit to the Training Ground?
Most supporters have not been able to visit since the expansion of the facility.
Would be interested to learn how you spent your time over here, outside of the game time.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Ready for the game in Stade du Hainaut.

Allez VA ! ❤️🤍

Edited April 10 by ChristopheVAFC

[ChristopheVAFC]

End of the match now.

Valenciennes win 1-0 tonight 😍

Scorer: Samir Belloumou.

Allez VA ! ❤️🤍

[Holmes_and_Watson]

I only caught the second half.

Firstly, wishing Passi a quick and full recovery, after what looked like a hamstring injury. He's grown into the side, and has been a threat in the opponent's box too.

Secondly, well done to Diomande. Hard work on both flanks. It doesn't always come off. But it was his skill that directly led to the goal.

As for.the match, it was 15 minutes into the second half when VA remembered they could pass from back to front, and create a chance. That seemed to give them some confidence and reminded Versailles that the game had been stretched.

Both sides forced close range saves from keepers. The visitors also had one ruled offside. The key thing there was how vulnerable the VA defence was to a bit of direct play.

Some poor VA decisions in the attacking third, would sometimes create issues getting back to defend. But the VA shape was much better with Abi in there. He was quite mobile. But when they settle into position, he's an outlet none at of the others provide.

8th. But 9 points behind 7th. VA top of a midtable pack, this season, rather than pushing for anything more.

Closing that gap before the end of the season would be good. With some injuries, some different faces look like they will be getting minutes too.

[FredVaFC59100]

On 10/04/2026 at 09:43, spyinthesky said:

How did you manage to arrange a visit to the Training Ground?
Most supporters have not been able to visit since the expansion of the facility.

No closure on this from disaster in chief/Y.Godin's front men/cheerleader ? I wonder why...

I guess I was right along..."Admit nothing, Deny everything" as the old saying goes in the PR world.

Edited Sunday at 20:26 by FredVaFC59100

[ChristopheVAFC]

8 hours ago, FredVaFC59100 said:

No closure on this from disaster in chief/Y.Godin's front men/cheerleader ? I wonder why...

I guess I was right along..."Admit nothing, Deny everything" as the old saying goes in the PR world.

I can see you’re trying to pick on things when you’ve actually run out of things to say about the player – it’s a real shame! (Yes, Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater are doing a great job, and that must really annoy you)

Save your energy, my fellow countryman, to support our team and wish them all the best! And if you don’t like what’s happening in Valenciennes, there are two other clubs 45 and 70 km from Valenciennes that would be delighted to welcome you...

[ChristopheVAFC]

On 10/04/2026 at 18:43, spyinthesky said:

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip and witnessed us perform well.
Perhaps you are a lucky omen.
I am reminded of our record Premier League result a few years back when we trounced Sunderland 8-0.
Sat in front us was a chap from Australia who was visiting relatives in Southampton and had managed to get a ticket for his first visit to St Marys.
We all offered to chip in and pay for future visits to the ground as he was obviously a lucky charm!!
How did you manage to arrange a visit to the Training Ground?
Most supporters have not been able to visit since the expansion of the facility.
Would be interested to learn how you spent your time over here, outside of the game time.

So, to summarise my trip: initially, going back to Southampton was a personal project; I came here with a friend two years ago and, having had a great time, I wanted to return.

Originally, I was planning to stay from Friday to Saturday to watch the lads’ match against Ipswich Town on Good Friday and the girls’ match against Sheffield on Saturday lunchtime. In the end, I couldn’t make it to the girls’ match as I had to postpone my visit from Saturday to Sunday, but I was lucky enough to be there for the match against Arsenal.

I arrived on Saturday morning – here’s the photo I shared with you – and went to the club shop. At 1 pm I went for a bite to eat at The Dell pub, then returned to my hotel to rest a bit before heading to the match.

After the match, I went back to the hotel and rested until check-out at around 12 pm on Sunday. Out of curiosity, I wanted to visit the training ground, and I think the fact that I’d come from France and am from Valenciennes certainly helped me get a tour of the centre – nothing more, nothing less

After the visit, I watched the U14 girls’ match on the artificial pitch, then headed back to Dover for the return journey to France.

That’s it

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well?

Congratulations on last night’s win – it’s just amazing!

But who can stop this incredible run? I can’t see anyone today, and you’re well on your way to the play-offs – or perhaps even further, who knows!

No one would have bet a penny last December on the incredible work of Tonda, his staff and your players! Well done to you all!

Today, here in Valenciennes, a surprise announcement was made on the club’s website less than an hour ago: the departure of Mathieu Frison, the sporting coordinator, who himself had replaced Ben Chorley. Here is the club’s statement:

Quote

https://www.va-fc.com/articles/33308

VAFC Press Release: Departure of Mathieu Frison

VAFC announces the departure of its sporting coordinator, Mathieu Frison.

The club would like to thank Mathieu Frison for his commitment and the work he has done during his time here.

VAFC wishes him every success in his future career.

Jean-Christophe Cesto will take over his role under the leadership of Johannes Spors, sporting director of the Sport Republic group and Southampton FC.

I must admit it comes as a surprise, as nobody saw this departure coming. From now on, we’ll be managed on the sporting side by a stand-in and Mr Johannes Spors, who’s already with you, so that reassures me.

We’ll see if this change pays off, but if we can get better players for next year, that would be a very good thing.

Have a lovely day, friends.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

14 minutes ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well?

Congratulations on last night’s win – it’s just amazing!

But who can stop this incredible run? I can’t see anyone today, and you’re well on your way to the play-offs – or perhaps even further, who knows!

No one would have bet a penny last December on the incredible work of Tonda, his staff and your players! Well done to you all!

Today, here in Valenciennes, a surprise announcement was made on the club’s website less than an hour ago: the departure of Mathieu Frison, the sporting coordinator, who himself had replaced Ben Chorley. Here is the club’s statement:

VAFC Press Release: Departure of Mathieu Frison

VAFC announces the departure of its sporting coordinator, Mathieu Frison.

The club would like to thank Mathieu Frison for his commitment and the work he has done during his time here.

VAFC wishes him every success in his future career.

Jean-Christophe Cesto will take over his role under the leadership of Johannes Spors, sporting director of the Sport Republic group and Southampton FC.

I must admit it comes as a surprise, as nobody saw this departure coming. From now on, we’ll be managed on the sporting side by a stand-in and Mr Johannes Spors, who’s already with you, so that reassures me.

We’ll see if this change pays off, but if we can get better players for next year, that would be a very good thing.

Have a lovely day, friends.

Thanks for that Christophe.

I'd not have been surprised to see him go at the end of the season. Remaining in this league has been a failure. The stories around recruitment are in earlier posts.

With the club safe, there's no real reason for it not to happen now. Planning will be underway for next season, and he wasn't going to be part of it.

 

[FredVaFC59100]

First B. Chorley, now M. Frison, all that is missing now is Disaster in Chief Y. Godin that imposed S. Moulin that led to this season's debacle. Hope he will get the boot to complete the puzzle. This can not come soon enough.

[ChristopheVAFC]

News from Valenciennes.

Following last Friday’s victory over FC Versailles, it’s been a somewhat turbulent week for VAFC with the announcement that sporting director Mathieu Frison is leaving.

I think Sport Republic is quietly preparing us for next season. With SR’s aim to spend less and, above all, spend more wisely. A change in strategy that I hope will pay off next year.

On the pitch, it’s match day for Valenciennes, who are away to FC Fleury 91, who beat us 2-0 in the first leg at the Stade du Hainaut.

If they win tonight, Valenciennes will officially secure their place in Ligue 3 for next year. Even though, as of today, before tonight’s match, survival is 99% certain, we’ll need to pick up as many points as possible until the end of the season.

Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time.

Have a lovely day, everyone!

 

[ChristopheVAFC]

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

 

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

VAFC : ça va sans le dire, Pierre Blois ira bien au bout de la saison - La Voix du Nord

VAFC: It goes without saying, Pierre Blois will see out the season.

No one at VAFC is saying anything, but everyone has known for quite some time that Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater will see out their mission in the National league.

Everyone has known for a long time: VA has decided to entrust its National league team to the duo of Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater until the end of the season. They were promoted in February to replace Stéphane Moulin at short notice. Initially, it was only supposed to be a short interim arrangement. "There's the requirement for coaching qualifications (the BEPF is mandatory to coach in the National league, which neither of them has) which will force us to recruit. So, it will only be a temporary solution," assured Mathieu Frison, still in his role as sporting coordinator.

Internal Change of Direction

The internal change of direction has absolutely nothing to do with his recent departure. He is primarily focused on the excellent results achieved by the duo, under whose guidance the team is averaging two points per game, a pace befitting a promotion contender. Both are local products, perfectly embodying the image the club has been trying to project since Sport Republic took over. Pierre Blois has the profile of a modern coach, everything to please, except that he was unable to register for the next BEPF coaching certification session.

While supporters are now openly dreaming of the duo's return next season, VA prefers to maintain a silence on the matter, clearly a sensitive issue given the €7,500 fine they are now incurring for each match. Before the match against Aubagne, Pierre Blois described to us how his contract was being extended week by week. "We debrief, we review the performance, it's not a formality." The issue resurfaced on Thursday: has he been appointed to remain in place until the end of the season? Rather than answer, the interim manager preferred to leave the decision to the club's management. This silence, in itself, amounted to confirmation.

FLEURY – VALENCIENNES, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Robert-Bobin Stadium, Bondoufle.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

Les questions que pose le départ de Mathieu Frison du VAFC - La Voix du Nord

Questions Raised by Mathieu Frison's Departure from Valenciennes FC (VAFC)

The departure of sporting coordinator Mathieu Frison was finalized on Wednesday, two months after Stéphane Moulin's departure from his coaching position. This signals a takeover by shareholder Sport Republic at VAFC. Analysis.

Was Mathieu Frison's Departure Inevitable?

The promises of stability made in the spring of 2025, when Stéphane Moulin arrived, were dealt a blow in February with his departure. Sent into the fray to provide talking points, sporting coordinator Mathieu Frison then dropped hints, like a wise old Hansel and Gretel, aware of the giant's intentions. "A football club is a whole, it's an organization. No one is above the institution." Everyone needs to take responsibility in their own way of working, because otherwise, we won't move forward. And the person who comes after me, or the coach who comes after Stéphane, will face the same problems.” He had insisted he wanted to see his mission through to the end, but it was as if he had already prepared himself for it to end sooner than expected.

Made official on Wednesday, his departure is a clear sign of a takeover of Sport Republic. “There is a desire on the part of the shareholder, the one who ultimately pays,” to give Johannes Spors free rein at Valenciennes, confirms VAFC's general manager, Yoann Godin. Appointed in February 2025 as sporting director of Southampton and the group, the 43-year-old German is presenting himself as the new power broker. “All of this was done completely transparently with Mathieu. We’ve been working on it for weeks, but it’s a special moment,” admits the Valenciennes general manager.

Who is Jean-Christophe Cesto?

Having come through the FC Nantes youth academy, Jean-Christophe Cesto didn’t really break through as a professional player. He returned to the professional ranks after his playing career ended in 2018 as a video analyst for the Canaries. Appointed sporting coordinator for VAFC, replacing Mathieu Frison, he will report directly to Johannes Spors, whom he knew from his time at Red Star and Genoa, during his time with 777 Partners, an American investment fund that had turned multi-club ownership into a business before going bankrupt in 2024. The two men reconnected at Sport Republic, where Jean-Christophe Cesto had been in charge of all scouting related to the various French leagues since June.

Is Yoann Godin under threat?

Of the triumvirate that emerged in May 2025 to finally get Valenciennes off the ground, only he remains, now that Stéphane Moulin and Mathieu Frison have left. In his position as general manager of VAFC since November 2023, does Yoann Godin feel threatened? "My own position isn't the issue," he dismisses. "Today, I know I have the shareholder's confidence. Perhaps tomorrow I won't, but the only question that matters is, 'What are we doing together to get the club out of this rut?'" He doesn't speak of failure, while acknowledging the paramount importance of sporting results (and their volatile nature) in this environment.

His role will not change because, he assures us, he has never interfered in the sporting side of things, which he leaves to others. “You often felt that Godin was taking up too much space, but I’ve always been humble enough to stay in my lane. I know what I can contribute, I know my strengths. It might be an issue for the shareholder, but honestly, I’ll always need someone by my side on these matters. I had Mathieu (Frison), with whom I had a good working relationship.” Now he’ll have to learn to work with Jean-Christophe Cesto and Johannes Spors.

FLEURY – VALENCIENNES, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Robert-Bobin Stadium, Bondoufle. Unavailable: El Hadary, Passi (injured).

[Convict Colony]

For me this is excellent news for you.  The vast majority of Spors decisions have been extremely good for southampton, this has given him more credibility that anyone else in SR that he knows what he is doing hence Dragan giving him VAFC.

The fact that Cestco has his trust, knows how he likes to work and already knows the french leagues i think will ensure a seamless transition and in time for summer rebuild. I expect with this direct link with Spors now being responsible the focus on improving performances at VAFC will be paramount.

I think this could finally see some rapid progress for VAFC.

[Dman]

11 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

For me this is excellent news for you.  The vast majority of Spors decisions have been extremely good for southampton, this has given him more credibility that anyone else in SR that he knows what he is doing hence Dragan giving him VAFC.

The fact that Cestco has his trust, knows how he likes to work and already knows the french leagues i think will ensure a seamless transition and in time for summer rebuild. I expect with this direct link with Spors now being responsible the focus on improving performances at VAFC will be paramount.

I think this could finally see some rapid progress for VAFC.

I do also wonder if we will finally start to see the benefits of the 'multi-club model' 

In theory, Spors should have e2e remit now and can potentially spot players coming through the french leauges that might be of use to us in the future

 

[ChristopheVAFC]

1 hour ago, Convict Colony said:

For me this is excellent news for you.  The vast majority of Spors decisions have been extremely good for southampton, this has given him more credibility that anyone else in SR that he knows what he is doing hence Dragan giving him VAFC.

The fact that Cestco has his trust, knows how he likes to work and already knows the french leagues i think will ensure a seamless transition and in time for summer rebuild. I expect with this direct link with Spors now being responsible the focus on improving performances at VAFC will be paramount.

I think this could finally see some rapid progress for VAFC.

I am also reassured by the appointment of the Cesto/Spors duo here in Valenciennes.

I know that Johannes Spors is doing a good job at Southampton, and your strong finish to the season is partly down to him.

The issue with Mathieu Frison is that he was young and didn’t necessarily have the network of contacts and experience, which I’m sure he’ll gain over the coming years.

Of course, let’s not get carried away; we’ll see in the summer transfer window whether the initial decisions pay off with the arrival of players who match the club’s ambitions for next year.

Wait and see, that’s for sure!

[revolution saint]

19 minutes ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

I am also reassured by the appointment of the Cesto/Spors duo here in Valenciennes.

I know that Johannes Spors is doing a good job at Southampton, and your strong finish to the season is partly down to him.

The issue with Mathieu Frison is that he was young and didn’t necessarily have the network of contacts and experience, which I’m sure he’ll gain over the coming years.

Of course, let’s not get carried away; we’ll see in the summer transfer window whether the initial decisions pay off with the arrival of players who match the club’s ambitions for next year.

Wait and see, that’s for sure!

We can loan you Damion Downs,  Spors seems to like him.  Not quite sure he's ready for your level so you might need to be a bit patient with him.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Good evening, everyone,

An update on tonight’s match: Valenciennes lost 2–0 away to FC Fleury, just like in the first leg...

Not much else to add.

Have a lovely evening, everyone.

Allez VA !

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Deservedly beaten.

Good timing for new people to have been brought in to look ahead for next season. They can watch this one as an example of many VA games.

VA started busily, getting lots of the ball. But when the decision making is atrocious, passing poor and linking up non existent, then you're not going to score.

As so often, VA are physically not a match for this league. At one point, it took a blatant foul to stop one of their players beating a swarm of 5 VA players.

Today's comedy moment was watching Louchet lumping balls out to Niakate. Either bouncing over his head, or when he was marked. Niakate had one really decent pass, and a very long range effort. But was first off, after a game he'll not remember fondly.

Fleury's first was also their first attack of the second half. Their player eased past 2 VA defenders. His shot at the near post blazed over Louchet, hitting the woodwork. VA were unsurprisingly second bast to clear it, as the ricochet took it across the center.

VA tried upping the tempo with little effect. Fleury had another 2 really good chances, including a 1 on 1.

The interim coaches rung the changes. Abi gave the side a bit more of an outlet and Courtet had a shot blocked.

It was Niakate's replacement, who was responsible for the second. It was 3-4 minutes into added time. Collet's heavy touch was intercepted as VA moved up. A couple of decisive passes (of the sort VA bring out a couple of times a season), to take it away from tracking defenders, and Fleury put it past an angry Louchet.

One of the early realisations for the new back room staff will be that, if it's true the players were offered silly deals to come here, it's going to be very hard to clear them out on a budget. And just think of those who aren't considered good enough to get a game, and what it will take to move them on.