Season 1977/1978

Having finished the previous season rock bottom of the First Division, Stade Rennais found themselves back in the Second Division, just a year after leaving it. Plagued by considerable financial issues, a new cycle began this season, and the Red and Blacks had not made immediate promotion back to the top-flight their priority. Indeed, the squad was relatively weakened, with the departure of key players such as Guermeur, Notheaux, Rizzo and Pokou. Hiard would also leave the club in the December of 1977, heading to Sporting Club of Bastia, to bring in some much needed funds to the club in an attempt to balance the books. In terms of the arrivals at Rennes, the club targeted young players, from lower clubs, signing players such as Kerveillant, Grosvalet and Goby. Without the financial clout, Rennes were unable to attract big names with salaries to match, but they did sign an important player for their remodelled team at the end of 1977 - in the shape of Spreco.. Rennes got off to a poor start to their league season, and it took them until matchday 5 to achieve their first victory of the season - a 4-1 win over Limoges. Throughout the season, Rennes were in a dogfight in the bottom half of the table, and their best position was a lowly 9th. In January 1978, the club were put into Administration, and were obliged to free their First-Team manager Dubaële from his contract, replaced by Jubert in the hotseat by Jubert, the Director of Football, Cuissard, as well as their striker Tonnel for financial reasons. After a run of 5 games without defeat, Stade Rennais ended the season in disarray, winning just once in the final ten league fixtures, finishing in 12th place in Group B of the Second Division with the 8th best attack, and the 16th-ranked defence, which proved to be their worst finish as a professional football club. Their French Cup run wasn't much better, eliminated in the Round of 64 against Division 1 side Bordeaux (0-3 defeat). That season was also of note for the lowest-ever home attendance at the time.