Football Season Guide

Nimes have been pushing for promotion to Ligue 1 for a handful of seasons and succeeded in returning to the top flight last term after a 26-year absence. Bernard Blaquart’s side were characterised by exciting attacking football, which is often sparse in Ligue 2. It was remarkable, then, that they scored 75 goals in 38 matches, and while they were comfortable runners up to Reims, they won promotion comfortably. Over the course of the summer, they have reinforced their squad shrewdly. They have focused on increasing the physicality in their ranks, particular in defence, where Herve Lybohy and Loick Landre have arrived from Paris FC and Genoa respectively. Generally, they have sought to recruit from bigger teams, though left-back Florian Miguel is an exception. Another defensive reinforcement is Paul Bernardoni, the outstanding goalkeeper at Ligue 2 level last term and a man who potentially has a big future. This season will be important for him to learn exactly how much he can achieve in the game. Mustapha Diallo has been signed from Guingamp to help out in the midfield, where he was an under-rated presence in Brittany last term. He can get on the scoresheet as well as defend. Meanwhile, Denis Bouanga on the wing is another eager to prove he can make the step up after shining with Lorient previously. He replaced Romain Del Castillo, whose loan from Lyon has expired. Like Bernardoni and Bouanga, Nimes have taken something of a punt on Baptiste Guillaume, who has failed to perform to his best in Ligue 1 previously. He also appears to be more of a risky signing, though that is tempered by the fact that he joins up on loan and will go into an attacking line in which Umut Bozok and Rachid Alioui have both proven they can be prolific in, though again not at this standard.