Michel LE MILINAIRE

Taking over as Manager of Stade Rennais FC in 1993, Michel Le Milinaire’s objective was the get the club back into the First Division. In just one season, the former Laval manager succeeded in that goal, with a team made up of old-hands (Rousseau, Denis, Ribar or Roux), and promising youngsters (Huard, Gourvennec, André and Wiltord.) In 1994/1995, the pursued the same 4-4-2 system, integrating the former Marseille players Rousset, Fugier and Thomas, as well as the Swiss pair of Ohrel and Grassi. With a highly effective strike force, Rennes enjoyed a stress-free season, with the notable home thrashings of Caen (5-0), Martigues (5-1) and Paris Saint Germain (4-0). Le Milinaire thus achieved his second goal, that of ending the yo-yoing between the First and Second Divisions. In the 1995/1996 the youths reached maturity, and the club qualified for the Intertoto Cup. The Manager left his role to a hero’s welcome, passing on the task to his young assistant Yves Colleu.