Season 1975/1976

After a catastrophic end to the 1974/1975 season, Stade Rennais were relegated to the Second Division for the first time since the 1957/1958 season. As with any relegation, the Red and Blacks would lose a number of key players from their squad, and thus depart the likes of Cédolin, Cosnard, Kerbiriou, Kéruzoré and Le Floch. On the arrivals side, Rennes made some shrewd signings, bringing in some experienced heads such as Cougé, Marchand and Poli. But Rennes would be forced to do without the services of talisman striker Pokou during the course of the season following a serious knee injury. Pokou had made an exceptional start to the season, scoring 17 goals in 12 appearances, and was then replaced by Willim, a striker who would prove himself to be equally effective in front of goal. Rennes got their season off to a flying start, and were in the frame at the top of the table from the start of the campaign, losing just once in their first 12 matches, and the Red and Blacks would stay there for the whole season. Indeed, Rennes were in top spot for 28 matchdays out of 34, in spite of three defeats in their last ten matches. With an additional bonus point for each victory by a minimum of three goals (10 points in total), they finished top of their group; with the best attack (2.4 goals per match on average), the third-best defence, and the best goal difference (+50). They would, alas, miss out on the outright Second Division title in the play-off final with Angers over two legs, but would go on to obtain promotion a year later, which was the main objective, despite the appearance of financial problems as of December 1975. Rennes were eliminated in the Round of 32 in the French Cup by Metz, in the same round, and against the same opponents as the previous season.