Football Season Guide

Amiens SC are back in Ligue 2 after four years away. Their last campaign at this level in 2011-12 ended in an immediate return to the third tier and they are looking for a better performance this time. The club from Picardy in northern France secured promotion from the Championnat National on the final day of last season, pipping Marseille Consolat to the third and last berth to go up to Ligue 2. It was a special moment for coach Christophe Pelissier, who was denied the chance to play in the second tier with Luzenac a couple of years ago when they were refused entry to Ligue 2. Now Pelissier is hoping to make his mark at this level with Amiens. "It is true that it is important for me from a professional viewpoint," says Pelissier. "I know it's going to be more difficult for me in Ligue 2, but I'm not afraid." Amiens have made some intriguing signings, including young midfielder Quentin Cornette from Montpellier and France futsal international Reda Rabei from Wasquehal, a lower-league side from the Lille suburbs. They will also look to former Montpellier forward Jonathan Tinhan for goals after he netted 12 times on their run to promotion last season.