Philippe DELAYE

It was the summer of 2000. Stade Rennais FC took advantage of the increased TV broadcasting rights revenue, and the spending power of Pinault to go crazy on the transfer market. In between the South Americans, who arrived with rather flattering reputations, Rennes also recruited Philippe Delaye from Montpellier for 6.5 Million Euros. This right-footed attacking midfielder soon bedded in as a key player in Le Guen’s formation. Whilst the club’s season was particularly chaotic, his own personal report card was excellent, given that he was the most consistent performer (29 starts, 7 goals). In the 2001/2002 season, the Manager Gourcuff also had confidence in him, but “Filou” struggled to adapt to the style of play of his new manager, and suffered regularly from injury problems. In the following season, he was played out of position in the 3-5-2 formation of Bergeroo before finally going back to his favoured position under Halilhodzic. His performance levels, though, were deteriorating, and it didn’t go unnoticed by his new Manager Bölöni in 2003/2004. Banished to the bench, or even the Reserves, he joined Bastia on loan in January 2004.