Football Season Guide

Returning to the Ligue 2 after 30 years of absence, the past season brought to Annecy both plenty of joy and plenty of pain. In terms of joy, they achieved an historical Coupe de France semifinal, which they lost to Toulouse. When it comes to pain, they suffered an unjust relegation in the very last week of the campaign, as their rivals for salvation, Valenciennes, were handed a forfeit win over Bordeaux due to opponent fans’ mis-behaviour. Annecy management did not accept their relegation and fought for the whole summer, trying to prove their own rights. They seemed doomed to the Championnat National but a miracle eventually occurred as Sochaux were cancelled for bankruptcy and they were re-admitted to the Ligue 1 one day ahead of the league kick-off. Due to the uncertainty that characterized their summer, Annecy were not very active during the transfer campaign. In fact, they saw several players returning to their parent clubs following the end of their loans, while there were very few new additions. Among those who left, starting playmaker Demoncy, 8 assists, and key striker Dion, 20 goals and 1 assist overall, are those who will be missed the most. No valid replacement has been added for the midfield, that might also be losing starting Philiponeau, and for the attack, yet. They also lost a starting centre-back/midfielder in Temanfo and starting left-back Bastian. New arrivals Barry and Mahop could thus be immediately given a place in the XI. Confirmed coach Laurent Guyot will need time as the squad are still incomplete and everything is still a work in progress.