Excerpt from “Art de Havre (May 2022)” – a fanzine based in Le Havre covering the local art scene.
Bonjour, Le Havre Art Lovers!
Your favourite artZine has just returned from the local exhibition – called “National Ligue 2” – at the Stade Oceane where a lot of excitement and BUZZ is flying around a bunch of local artists showing under the banner of Le Havre ASC. I must say what I saw was excellent and has got me really pumped for what might be coming. Are we seeing the start of a new movement on our very own doorsteps?
The collective were led by veterans of the painting scene Alexandre Bonnet, who has repeatedly produced moments of unexpected brilliance over the years, and Jean-Pascal Fontaine, who showed a consistent level of high standard in this show. However, it was the sparkling moments produced by newcomers Ba, Abdelli and Casimir this year that really caught this writer’s eye with pieces that POP with the exuberance of youth.
However it was the giant sculptures that were the standout for me. Working mainly with brick, Isaak Toure in his debut show was a TOWERING force here. I wanted to also mention Yahia Fofana, also in his first show, who was an able ally as the group produced some incredible and at times insurmountable installation pieces.
The Le Havre boys are taking this show on the road to tour the bigger venues across France. They deserve a larger audience to see their work. This writer is very excited to see the new pieces that they may create inspired by taking it to the next level.
Rémy Leroy,
Editor-in-Chief
End of Season One
What a debut season for us! With reasonable expectations from the board (push for playoffs) and the bookies (playoffs) – we went in with the objective of blooding our best youth prospects whilst believing the first team squad to be strong enough to get enough points for this to be a comfortable season.
Everything – transfer policy, training, tactics, squad selections – was geared to getting game time for the youngsters.
We started off well and just kept rolling along. The odd slip up – defeats to bottom and second bottom teams (at the time of playing) – but ended with a crescendo game – 2nd versus 3rd, do or die – against Auxerre. The win sealed 2nd spot and guaranteed promotion to Ligue 1.
We met expectations in the cup but to be honest it was a fairly easy run until we hit Marseille in a North versus South Coast clash. Sampaoli gave it big licks before the game saying how pleased he was to get an easy game. 22 penalty kicks later and it was only by the skin of his wee bald heid that the “giants” of the French game scraped through. Star of the game was academy graduate Casimir playing in the Treq role – he was impish all game.
How finances look
The board are after self-sustainability at the club which should be easier next season in the big league. We spent zero money on incoming transfers, sold a few in January and stuck to the wage budget – spending way under the allocation. Wages were given to best prospects to extend their contracts and/or boost their valuations.
The club still made a loss during the season but ended with a positive bank balance.
Tactical Analysis
We played our 4-2-2-2 Brazilian Box throughout the season giving ample opportunities for our best playmakers and risk-takers to thrive.
The result was one of the best defensive records in the division!
The graphs from the Data Hub of team performance over the season show that Le Havre were a better than average team and deserved our final league position.
Defensively we were extremely passive but very effective. Our reliability in possession meant that essentially we defended by keeping the ball. Call me Pep!
Offensively, I was happy with our above average XG overall. The data says we’re so-so and my eyes were telling me the issue was more with our finishing than the chances being created. Our two main goal scorers were Thiare and Ba – both played most as our Poacher so no surprises there. Neither were prolific though.
Youth Development
Isaak Toure
Yahia Fofana
Abdoullah Ba
Himad Abdelli
Josue Casimir
Ylan Gomes
Doesn’t always work – Despite being rated by Coaches and wanted by Rennes and Nantes.
U19s League Table
The Kids Are Alright!
Succession Plans
Taking lead from Dan Gear of Bolivia fame and his approach to succession planning for Youth Development – https://dgear86.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/youth-development-the-gear-way/ – here is how Le Havre will play it as we progress through the seasons.
Note our facilities were downgraded due to supposed improvements in standards across the universe.
Stage 1 Under 19s
We’ve seen how successful our youth team were against the cream of French football and with a Golden Generation in our first youth intake this will still be the most important step for player development.
Stage 2 Le Havre 2 / Development Loan
Our second team only play friendlies so the focus here is to put over 19 players (plus any U19s that may hinder progress of better players coming through) that I don’t think are ready or would benefit from playing. All will be made available to loan.
Dan sets out some rules for loans that I completely agree with:
“I have a few requirements for the loans, must be same standard as first team as first team squad status or I will allow on league below as Key Player status. If the loan doesn’t meet this the player will not go out on loan. They can play against me and must have recall clause.”
In our circumstances as a newly promoted team, I expect I may need to reduce Key Player down to regular starter for Ligue 2 teams.
I am not too disappointed if a loan cannot be found – instead they will continue their training at the club before a decision is made in January to loan/sell/promote.
Stage 3 Fringe
The players with promise will be promoted into the First Team squad with match fitness from the 2nd Team. They will be given playing time from the bench until the January transfer window. If they have not developed and/or performed a decision will be made to drop back to Stage 2. Flipside is they might move up to Stage 4
Stage 4 First Team
I will need my first team players to perform in every game otherwise we’ll be straight back down to Ligue 2. The step up might be too much for some but for others it may be the platform they need to shine.
My ideal first team squad will have two players for each position. My Goalie, Centre Halves and Defensive Midfielder should be like for like replacements but for the more attacking roles I would prefer to have different options on the bench. This will enable me to select players that can bring something different to the game without me changing player roles and duties. The best example might be the Poacher role – I might want to have Player A with physical attributes (eg big and strong or pacey) that cause problems and Player B who technical/mental attributes (eg intelligent movement with composed finishing).
However, as a small fish in a now bigger pond I do expect bids to come in for my best performers. Nice had a few bids in for Fofana this season but I was able to knock them all back with confidence because the Agent Feedback showed he had no interest in joining them. I know this will not always be the case and I am taking the decision that we will sell if the player states he wants to go – if the price is right.
Overall Season 1 Summary
C’est manifique
Tommys Boy on Football Manager 