Antoine PONROY

Antoine Ponroy is from the same generation of footballers as Yoann Gourcuff and Moussa Sow, who he rubbed shoulders with at Stade Rennais FC’s Academy. Unfortunately, his progression wasn’t in line with his potential. He was a centre-back with a good vision, and had a decent technical ability, but wasn’t offered a professional contract by Rennes. Aged 20 in 2006, he left to join Rangers in Scotland, where the new manager, Paul Le Guen, wanted to take advantage of Rennes’ football development capabilities. Along with another former Rennes player, William Stanger, however, he would only ever play with their Reserve side. In 2007, he returned to France, where he became one of the most respected defenders in National (French 3rd Division).