Jean-Claude LAVAUD

Jean-Claude Lavaud hailed from the Loiret region of France. He began his playing career in Algeria when stationed there on his National Service duty, playing for the team Olympique Huessein Dey. This versatile player played in virtually every position on the pitch (aside from that of goalkeeper), and he signed for Stade Rennais in 1960. Used primarily as a left-sided midfielder in the 3-2-5 formation of the day, he established himself in the First Team starting line-up in his first season at the club. In his four years with Rennes, he would be equally at home as a playmaker as he was in defence. He was known, throughout his career for his dynamic playing style, and his ability to get in the position to score goals. He was an active member of the team which won the French Cup in 1965, and he was also called up on one occasion for the French National Team on 22nd March 1967 for the match against Romania. He would stay with Rennes for eight seasons in total, making over 230 appearances, scoring 23 goals for the Red and Blacks. In 1968, he signed for Stade Brestois, where he would spend two seasons, before spending a season a Vannes in 1970. From 1971-1973, he would become Player/Manager, firstly at Niort, and then with Annecy, where he went on to become the First Team Manager outright, after hanging up his boots. He ended his career in football management with Sables d'Olonne before returning to Brittany, where he passed away, aged 72, on 6th March 2011.