Franck MANTAUX

Born in 1965, in the Doubs region in the East of France, Franck Mantaux naturally began his playing career at the biggest club in the area, FC Sochaux in 1983 as goalkeeper. He was to stay there for three seasons, during which time he contented himself with a run in the Reserves, whilst never getting a chance to play in the First Team. In 1986, he was picked up by Rennes as understudy for the First Team. In that season, Rennes finished bottom of the First Division, and he was to get a brief opportunity to shine the following year in the Second Division, playing six games at that level. After another subsequent season without action, where he didn't play a single game for the First Team, the next season was hardly better, making just one solitary appearance. His patience finally paid off in the 1990-1991 season in the First Division, when Rennes finally gave him his chance. Unfortunately, it was to prove to be unsuccessful, playing 18 games, conceding 26 goals. Rennes were relegated, and Mantaux, who was out of contract, left the club without ever being able to make his mark. He went on to find a new role as first-choice goalkeeper at Châteauroux in the Second Division between 1991-1993, then at Saint Brieuc (also D2) between 1993-1997. His playing career was to end at Paris Saint Germain, where he was third-choice goalkeeper. He would then stay in football, after he had hung up his boots, as a goalkeeping coach, with spells at Nantes, Bordeaux and Lille.