From the success of Frontignan Thau Handball to the descent into hell of FC Sète, what next is to be considered for local clubs?
The seasons follow one another and, finally, there is a kind of constancy. Most of the clubs on an upward slope have confirmed their progress this year, while others have inexorably slipped. Even skidded.
Overview and perspectives of the clubs in the Bassin de Thau which played this season at the national level.
Frontignan THB, always higher
To build a lasting building, we must rely on solid foundations. And then go brick by brick. This is exactly what the presidents Jean Garait and Sylvain Pelegrin have been working on in recent years. By relying on real skills, with Benjamin Curabet, Renaud Boulanger and, since the summer of 2022, Asier Antonio, Frontignan Thau Handball has developed a real culture of professionalism, imbued with a family spirit.
Spectacle guaranteed at Ferrari.
A clever mix that made it possible to offer an abundantly filled Ferrari room every Friday the best season in the history of the club. Arrived in Proligue on tiptoe, the muscatier group, carried by a game project made of speed and inspiration, quickly found their rhythm.
In January, a series of ten victories then in progress, the objective of maintaining was already assured. And the ascent continued, to the point of affording the luxury of considering the Starligue. And to have two players (Mesnard and Oliveras) elected in the standard Proligue team.
Finally, the FTHB stopped at the play-off stage for the Final Four. The foundations are laid. Admittedly, we had to start again next season without falling into the trap of believing that it will necessarily be the same. But with few departures (Oliveras, Bouchillou, Hiele, Giraudeau, Margnoux and Scotto) and a recruitment that should prove to be judicious, the FTHB has a bright future ahead of it.
The Arago does not get carried away
In the summer of 2022, with the arrival of Luc Marquet at the helm, the Arago has significantly changed its starting seven. Alas, we very quickly saw that the recruitment would not bear fruit. Russell, Sossenheimer and Epp were thus thanked (some during exercise) and it was the captains Gauna, Kreek, Picard, Devèze and Garcia who put the ship back afloat. Arago finally played in the quarter-finals of Ligue A, before losing in the final of the European qualifying tournament.
The youth have done their part.
Not a success, not a failure either. For next season, it was therefore necessary to recruit to replace the recruits… We are particularly waiting to see what the association between Garcia and the new sharp Cardin will give. One thing is certain, despite one of the largest budgets in Ligue A, Arago has recruited reasonably. And late. Let’s hope the bet wins.
Continuity and a new start at RC Sète
For the first time in its young history, the Rugby Club de Sète has evolved into Fédérale 3. Surfing on its remarkable career which ended in June 2022 with the title of vice-champion of France Honor, the club quickly nationally acclimatized. Third in pool 8, he left the competition in the round of 32.
A successful first season in F3.
And the major fact of this off-season is the departure of coaches Bruno and Alexandre Ruiz, great architects of the success of RC Sète. They will be replaced by Stéphane Girard (forwards) and the manager Mouss Amakrane (backs) who will also continue to play. Between a new start and continuity.
Sète Swimming sticks its head out of the water
Accustomed to the last places in Elite, the Sète polo players sailed in calmer waters this season. Recruitment has enabled Olivier Chandieu’s group to take a step forward.
They found the taste of success.
Fifth at the end of the regular phase, Sète Natation signed its best season for a long time. And can boast of having his goalkeeper Anthony Rossi gain momentum to be called up to the Blues. It remains to be seen what will happen next. Because many departures have been recorded and recruitment is still in progress…
An earthquake in Frontignan LPB
Frontignan La Peyrade Basket had been playing nationally for twenty-five years, between N2 and N3. It is unfortunately over. Weighed down by injuries during the first part of the season, Slobodan Ocokoljic’s group raised their heads in 2023 but they will have lacked the extra soul to snatch support in the final sprint.
The experienced Guillard and Ganmavo did not find the solution.
Unless there is a miraculous repechage of the FFBB, the club will therefore return to the Prénationale at the start of the school year. In “warrior” mode, with local players and to quickly find his place in N3.
The collapse of FC Sète
Black season for the “Green and white”. Relegated to National 2 by the DNCG, FC Sète continued their descent into hell. Far, far behind all the others, the club ended its season with three wins, three draws and twenty-four defeats. Some of which are particularly striking, such as the 11-1 recorded in Hyères. Over the last five games of the season, the team will have conceded 29 goals…
Sad season for the Sétois.
Dropped by many players (including in reserve with in particular a package and a game stopped), FC Sète has hit rock bottom. The placement in receivership, on April 11, made it possible to regularize wages suspended for several months. But it is not finished. Pending a court decision on June 15, the club will return to Regional 1 at the start of the school year. The best…
