May 26 will remain a historic date for the Concarnois, to mark a white stone in the annals of football. Following the last match between them and the Orléanais, which they won after a breathless suspense, the Thoniers became champions of National, the division in which they played, and thus reach Ligue 2. A dream that comes true for Jacques Piriou, president of US Concarneau. But this accession is accompanied by constraints that will have to be resolved very quickly, under penalty of an ephemeral passage in the big leagues ...
The field of the Guy Piriou stadium is not up to the standards of the national football league, so not approved for official matches, work will begin in a few weeks, financed by the municipality to the tune of 5 million euros, including subsidies. A municipal financing that also makes many Concarnois cringe.
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The expansion work will begin with the demolition of the current stands and will last about a year, thus depriving the Thoniers of their land. If training sessions will not be a problem – neighboring municipalities can accommodate USC players – it is not the same for league games broadcast on television channels. Lorient and Guingamp, respectively 55 and 140 km from Concarneau, who also play in Ligue 2, seem willing to receive their counterparts from Finisteria but it will be necessary to match the schedule of the three teams. In addition, the distance may dampen the enthusiasm of Thoniers supporters, unless shuttles are provided to carpool the public.
Who says rise, says increase in wages
In National, USC had one of the smallest budgets, around 3.5 million euros, placing 16th out of 18 teams. It will take at least 7 million in Ligue 2, knowing that an average budget is about 10-11 million. A figure that can be reached with the rights to broadcast matches on TV channels, with partners and institutions.
Who says rise, says increase in wages, a multiplication by two or three depending on the player. Everything has to be negotiated or renegotiated. Currently takes place the Mercato, the recruitment phase that will last until the end of August. Already, we know that Amine Boutrah, elected best player of the season in National, will leave the club for Ligue 1. The coach, Stéphane Le Mignan, caused a little fear to the supporters by showing a certain discontent, anticipating future inconveniences: long trips, fatigue... Fortunately, he reassured the people of Concarnois by announcing that he remained in place but would be assisted in his duties by a recruitment director.
The first steps of the "little Thumb" in Ligue 2 will be very followed, the players will have a year to prove that they have their place in this division.