Chasing the Big Leagues – Stade de Reims

Tales from Tier Two is a new series on Just Football in partnership with @tiertwofooty, in which we assess the promotion chances of the clubs in tier two of Europe’s major leagues. First up in Ligue 2 were Clermont Foot. Now we head to the Champagne region with a look at high-flyers Stade de Reims:

France Ligue 2

Stade de Reims

Reims have been at the summit of Ligue 2 for most of this season so far, until 2 defeats in 3 games including a loss at Clermont saw them drop into 2nd place. However a vital 3 points in the last game before the winter break at home to Le Havre leaves Reims on 33 points, 1 point behind Clermont & 3 points in front of their closest challengers, as Hubert Fournier’s men aim to take the club back to Ligue 1 where they spent the glory years of the 1940s & 50s as one of France’s most decorated clubs.

Fournier was promoted from assistant to manager before the start of the 2010-11 season, his previous managerial experience was a year in charge at the now defunct FC Gueugnon. He didn’t enjoy the best of starts at Reims who spent the majority of last season in relegation trouble but just 2 defeats in the last 10 games gave them mid-table security.

In the summer Reims lost last season’s top scorer Julien Toudic, the striker who was on loan from Caen & went on to sign for Lens. Thomas Gamiette also left for Tours. Fournier has used the loan system to bring in Algerian forward Kamel Ghilas from Hull City and despite only scoring twice whilst on loan at Ligue 1 side Arles Ghilas has been a revelation at the Stade Auguste Delaune and is joint top scorer with 7. Bocundji Ca also joined on a permanent contract from Nancy. Fournier is already looking at strengthening in January, attacking midfielder Quentin Pereira has joined from Sochaux & they are hoping to secure the loan of St Etienne young forward Idriss Saadi.

Similar to leaders Clermont, Reims rely heavily on the centre of midfield with Romain Amalfitano, brother of Marseille man Morgan a vital cog. He is ably assisted in the midfield by Lucas Deaux & the hard working Clement Tainmont who has been a regular after spending last season on loan at Amiens. Up front Reims have no shortage of players who can make a difference, experienced Cedric Faure has 7 goals & although Gaetan Courtet hasn’t found the net in the league this season he has missed large parts through injury. Floyd Ayite, an unpredictable front man, came in on loan from Bordeaux in the summer and has just begun to feature in the first team.

Reims have the infrastructure & fan base to compete in the Ligue above and a stadium that is the envy of many and there is no doubt they have the quality on the pitch especially if Amalfitano stays but one cause for concern is that it is quite an ageing squad and if promotion is achieved they may need to invest heavily. Another concern is the away form, only 2 wins from 9 games will need to addressed, especially with so many teams in contention.

Position: 2nd

Points clear of chasing pack: 3

Will last the pace or tire in the race?: I can see them scraping through, just!

Predicted Final Position: 3rd

Key Man: Romain Amalfitano – If the 22 year old stays Reims have enough to secure promotion.

France, French Ligue 2, Stade de Reims, Tier Two Football