Gérard SOLER

Gérard Soler is an attacker who was born in Morocco. He began his journey in football with Poissy in 1970. An excellent player who was adept at finding spaces on the pitch, he was spotted by Sochaux, who signed him in 1972. It was in the Doubs region of France where his professional career really took off. He would stay 6 seasons with the Lions of Sochaux, racking up over 160 appearances in that time. A pacy and powerful striker, he caught the eye of Monaco in 1978, and played for the club in the Principality for one season. In 1979, he signed for Girondins de Bordeaux, where he would spend three years. He played over 100 games for Bordeaux, including some matches in European competition. He left Bordeaux in 1982 to play for Toulouse. After two complete seasons with the Violets of Toulouse, Soler moved on to Strasbourg, where he would spend a season. After that, he went on to join Bastia in 1985, but would end up being loaned out to Lille mid-season. In 1986, Rennes, who were looking to consolidate their position in the First Division, recruited Soler to boost their attacking options with an experienced hand. Unfortunately, he would rarely see action for the Red and Blacks, making just 20 or so appearances. After a catastrophic season for the club, which ended in relegation, he left to join Orléans, where he would end his playing says. At the end of a distinguished career, he totalled over 400 First Division appearances, scoring 129 goals in total. It should be noted that Soler was also awarded several caps by the French National Team, most notably during France's good run in the 1982 World Cup in Spain, scoring in the opening match of the tournament against England. After his playing days were over, he went into football management, becoming Saint Etienne's First Team Manager in 2000, before a scandal over false passports caught up with him, which saw him suspended for a year from all footballing activities. After a brief interlude working in sales, he found his way back into football, occupying numerous roles.