Sylvain MARVEAUX

In 2001, Sylvain Marveaux joined Stade Rennais having started to play football in Vannes, and spent time in development at Ploufragan like Gourcuff. Not involved in the Gambardella Cup (French FA Youth Cup) victory in 2003, this left-footer whose father was from Martinique, first joined the professional squad at Rennes as left back under Pierre Dréossi in 2006/2007. After a couple of substitute appearances as a midfielder, he scored against Auxerre in October, and enjoyed a good season, scoring 6 goals. In competition with Thomert, he struggled more in 2007/2008, and had a barren season in 2008/2009 after he suffered from calcification of his groin muscles. He bounced back in the 2009/2010 season to have his best spell under Manager Frédéric Antonetti, who had faith in his ability. Scoring 12 goals, and on the verge of a call up to the French squad, Rennes resisted the temptation to sell Marveaux, despite interest from elsewhere, and the player stayed in Brittany. That turned out to be a gamble by Rennes’ management that backfired, as Marveaux’s participation was still hampered by his groin injury, and he left the club on a free transfer to join Newcastle in June 2011.