Football Season Guide

Dunkerque made a swift return to Ligue 2 by finishing second in the National 1 last term, doing so thanks to an outstanding run of form towards the end of the season that saw them win 10 of their last 12 matches. They therefore carry a huge amount of momentum into this season. Dunkerque’s strength last term was their defence as they only conceded 32 times – one of only two teams in the league to average less than a goal per game. Interestingly, they also drew fewer matches than any other club with the exception of one. So while they were prone to losing fixtures, no team won more. With the margins tighter at this level, they may need to learn to accept drawing to survive. In terms of their signings, head coach Mathieu Chabert has focused on players who have been at the lower end of Ligue 2 before, with Remy Boissier from Rodez the most notable pick up. He was influential as Rodez established themselves at this level but faded in the second half of last season. Dunkerque are relying on his to raise his game. An equally important arrival will be striker Armand Gnanduillet. The 31-year-old has experience in the UK with the likes of Hearts and Blackpool but was most recently with Le Mans, where he scored 14 goals and laid on seven assists last season. If he can maintain such form, Dunkerque boast a dangerous centre-forward with match-winning capabilities. He could be crucial in pinching unexpected points Crucially, Dunkerque have not lost any of the cornerstones of their promotion-winning squad with the exception of centre-back Yannick M’Bone, who played 34 times last season, scoring two goals. Opa Sangante has arrived from Chateauroux to take his place – a player well versed at Ligue 2 level. He is joined by La Berri teammate Benjaloud Youssouf , which should help their integration. The fixture list has not been kind to Dunkerque. They play three of the relegated Ligue 1 teams in the first month, putting the momentum they carry to the test. It could be difficult for them if results go against them in those fixtures.