Season 1969/1970

The previous season had seen Rennes finish in midtable anonymity, and Stade Rennais started the new 1969/1970 season with a change of President. Louis Gerard was replaced by Francis Bernard, having spent 17 years at the head of the club. On the transfer front, there were some key departures, albeit not many in number, with goalscorer Takac, and his strike partner, Floch leaving the club during the close season. On the arrivals side of things, Rennes signed Simian and Lukic, as well as midfielder Naumovic. The start to the season was catastrophic, with just one victory in their opening 11 league fixtures. Despite such a poor start, Rennes would still cause a major upset by beating subsequent league champions Saint Etienne 1-0 on Matchday 19. Saint-Etienne has been unbeaten up to that point, and it would prove to be their only away defeat of the season. In November 1969, Rennes announced a deficit of 27 Million French Francs, which hastened the departure of President Bertrand, who was in turn replaced by Rohou, who was charged with balancing the books. Shortly after this event, there would me some major movements in the transfer market, with the signing of goalkeeper Aubour, who arrived at the club from Nice, after an exchange with Lefillatre. Stade Rennais spent the majority of the season in one of the relegation spots (21 matchdays out of 34), but would end the season with a flourish, going four matches unbeaten (2 wins and 2 draws.) The Red and Blacks would finish 14th in the end, in a First Division made up of 18 clubs, with the 16th-ranked defence, and the 11th best attack. In the French Cup, Rennes would have a good run, only being eliminated in the Semi Final by Saint-Etienne, after two tight encounters (0-1 and 1-1).