GIRONDINS DE BORDEAUX
Girondins de Bordeaux is the second oldest football (soccer) club
in France. The oldest being Le Havre Athletic Club founded in 1872.
The club was born on the 1st of October 1881 in the quarter of Capucins.
From scratch, the club only had individual sports on the programme, it wasn't
until 39 years later that soccer (football) was introduced. The club stayed
amateur for a while, but with the professional league starting in
France the 1932/33 season and given the good results in the amateur
Championships, the club went professional on the 17th of October 1937.
Gironde (the departement/county where Bordeaux is) and
Aquitaine (Aquitania, the region where Bordeaux also
is the capital) in general was rugby land. It was the World Cup 1938
which opened the eyes and the hearts of the general public on the
brink of Garonne (the river coming from the Pyrinees and debouching in
the Gironde bay near Bordeaux) for the sport. A brand new stadium
was built for the World Cup with a capacity of 30,000. It was the
first stadium in the world that allowed a perfect view from every place
in the stadium (since the pillars had been removed). And it was indeed a
spectacle in Bordeaux since Brazil played three games there lead by the
brilliant striker Leonidas. It was a huge difference between the World Cup and
the mediocrity of the French Second Division in the 38/39 season, Bordeaux
finished 11th. This result didn't satisfy the Girondins trainer Benito Diaz,
who already had been at the club for several years. It should be said that
the backbone consisting of great keeper Andre Gerard, defender
Mancisdior and forward Urtizberea was completed with many new recruits.
From Northern Africa, the club picked up Ben Arab, Laid, Ben Ali and Pignol
while Busto and Fleurian came from the local rivals FC and Deportivo
and from Spain Arana, Soladredo and Rebibo. The list of new acquisitions was
completed by the young and talented centre-half Rene Gallice from Olympique
de Marseille. In the summer of 1939, the goal was to get promoted, but
the Germans had other plans, they attacked Poland on the 1st of September
and France and England lived up to their promises and opened war on Germany.
Many of the players, lead by Rene Gallice, was called up to the army.
In the aim to keep a team, in the summer 1940, the club fused with Association
Sportive du Port (Harbour's Sport Club) where the players worked.
The football federation decided to suspend all competitions, but since
nothing happened on the Western front, they decided two months later to
hold a championship anyway. The Championship was played in three groups,
Southwest, southeast and north. Bordeaux won the south-west group, Nice
the south-east and Rouen the northern group. The final between Bordeaux
and Rouen never took place since the Germans invaded France.
In the following year, the Championship was split into two groups,
the occupied and the Vichy-lead one. Bordeaux finished third, but
got their consolation in the Cup. Girondins crashed C.A. Paris 4-1 in the
1/8 final, went on to destroy Saint-Sevrain 7-3 in the quarter finals, easily
beat Rouen 4-1 in the semi final and beat Red Star 3-1 in the final of the
occupied zone. The inter-zone final gave no problems either when Bordeaux
handed Toulouse a 3-1 loss to advance to the final against FC Fives.
The 25th of May 1941 will always remain a big day in the
Girondins history. That was the day when the club took its first major
trophy winning Coupe de France at Saint Ouen (a Paris suburb)
in front of 15230 spectators. Both goals were scored by Urtizberea
who scored in the 60th and 84th minute. The classical names were
Andre Gerard in goal; Homar and Mancisdior on the backs; Ben Ali,
Pleziak and Rummerhardt as halves; Szego, Lopez, Urtizberea, Pruvost and
Arnaudeau as forwards.
During the Vichy-regime, the rules were changed all the time
and Bordeaux had to let go of their foreigners, the Hungarian Szego
and the Spaniards Artigas and Rummerhardt. Even on the bench there
were changes, Benito Diaz left in place for the unsuccessful
Hungarian Stern. Instead, Urtizberea was promoted to player-manager.
The club finished 5th in 42 and 4th in 43, but under Urtizberea's
command the club reached another Cup Final in 1943. They started brightly
winning 4-0 and 6-2 in the first two encounters, but just won 2-1
against Red Star in the semi of the occupied zone. The zone final
had to be played two times after a scoreless first game, the replay
ended 6-3 (against Stade CA Paris). In the inter-zone final, Lens were beaten
2-1 and it was time for the first of many clashes between
Girondins and Olympique de Marseille.
The 9th of May 1943, Bordeaux and Marseille drew 2-2 at Parc
des Princes (the old one, not the new one used in the European Championship
in 1984 and onwards) in front of 30,000 spectators. For the first time in
the history of Coupe de France (started in 1918) the final had to
be replayed. However, OM claimed that Nemeur wasn't eligible to play
for the Girondins despite the fact that he had already played 29 games
for Bordeaux since the transfer from Le Havre! The federation agreed
and awarded the match to Marseille.
On the 17th, the American bomb planes went in over Bordeaux in their
attempt to hit the submarine base near by. The same day those
responsible for sports upheld the federational decision and the
Cup final had to be replayed. The replay took place five days later
with the Girondins players not fully recovered with the bomb explosions
still ringing in their ears and they got hammered 4-0.
In the 44/45 season, Bordeaux finished second in the southern group,
equal with FC Lyon and therefore were one of the teams forming the new
First division consisting of 18 teams. More players left than came and the
English trainer Bunuyan didn't help the case either. Despite the presence
of French International Jean Swiatek and 50 goals in two seasons by Plante,
Bordeaux finished 14th and remained in the top flight thanks to better goal
difference than Lyon. In the next season things went worse and Girondins
finished a mediocre 18th out of 20 teams and were promptly relegated.
The spell in the second division was two seasons long, former
keeper Andre Gerard became the trainer and despite 28 goals from
Arnaudeau, the team didn't gain promotion. In the 48/49 season, Camille
Libar lead the club to a fantastic 107 goals in 34 games, scoring 41
himself which meant 2nd place and promotion. Lead by the aforementioned
Libar, the inner of the team and the Polish-born (played 11 times for
France) Edouard Kargu plus the newly signed, exceptional left winger and,
Dutch International, Bertus de Harder. "the divine bald" played twelve times
for The Netherlands, but his International career was shortened since
Professionals weren't allowed into the Dutch National Team from the end of the
war until the mid fifties. These three scored 51 of the 88 goals for the club.
The season otherwise started in Lille's token, the Nordiste club
had a lead of six points in December. In a remarkable come back, Girondins
ended the season with a streak of nineteen matches without defeat and
clinched a total of 51 points, 21 wins, 9 draws and a bare four losses to end
up six points clear of Lille. In addition to the already mentioned fearsome
attack, Bordeaux also had the best defence (conceding 40 goals) lead by
goalie Gustave Depoorter and the defenders Manuel Garriga, Jean Swiatek and
Merignac. The typical lineups were completed with Andre Doye, Persillon, Rene
Gallice, M'Barek, Ben Arab, Mustapha and Guy Meynieu. (Of course only 11
at a time :-)). For the first time in France, a newly promoted team
went on to take the title straight away. Only Saint Etienne and Monaco
have managed to repeat it afterwards.
In the next season the team was strengthened with the International
Winger Henri Baillot, but still finished a disappointing sixth.
In the 51/52 season Bordeaux were back in the hunt for gold medals
finishing on 45 points, one short of OGC Nice despite scoring 88 goals
again (of which de Harder, Kargu, Baillot, Lukacs and Doye scored 81!).
In the Cup it was another encounter between the top two, in front
of 61,485 spectators at Colombes, Nice took the double winning 5-3 with the
two deciding goals in the last 30 minutes. Henri Baillot scored two and Edouard
Kargu one for the Girondins.
In the following season, Edouard Kargu lead the team to a
third place finish with his 27 goals which meant he was top scorer
in the league that season. However, the key players of the team were
starting to get old and the team just managed a sixth place although
they reached another Cup final where they were humiliated 5-2 by Lille.
In 1956 it was again time for the drop, Bordeaux finished second to
last and several players retired, including Gallice and Swiatek. de Harder
had returned to The Netherlands to finish his remarkable career after
the 54 season. Camille Libar replaced Gerard on the bench with little
success during his four years at command. Girondins spent three
seasons in the second division this time around finishing fifth
twice in a row before ending up fourth after a 2-0 win in front
of a full house against Grenoble in the last week to ensure promotion.
However, the team wasn't ready and Bordeaux finished last ten
points short of a new contract conceding a depressing 102 goals in the 38
games. Libar left and Salvador Artigas entered the stage. The Spaniard
had had a short spell with the Girondins during the beginning of the war and
now returned as trainer. His goal was to build a competitive
side in steps instead of rushing away for a quick return to be able
to stay up and fight for glory. His tactics were also simple, work
harder than the others. These tactics included a solid defence and
a stricter control over the players lives (early nights!).
And the results arrived, 8th in 61 and third in 62 and Girondins
were back among the elite and this time they were to stay for 29 seasons.
Artigas' tactics were proven successful directly with Bordeaux
finishing fourth and having the best defence in the league (conceding 38 goals).
The solid defence was built up around Moevi, Rey and Calleja who had been
at the club for a while and the left back for the National Team, Andre
Chorda. The attack was lead by Laurent Robuschi. Prior to the 63/64
season, he was joined by the talented youngster Didier Couecou (from SBUC)
and naturalized Argentine Hector De Bourgoing. Despite the strengthened
attack Bordeaux finished seventh in the league, though they got some
consolation with another Cup final losing two-nil to Lyon. The 64/65
season saw the first entry of the Girondins in the European Cups, for
six consecutive seasons, Bordeaux tried to defend the French colours
with little success. In the first season, Bordeaux lost 4-1 in Dortmund
and only managed a 2-0 win at home and were thereby eliminated by
the Germans. In the league, Bordeaux finished runner-ups to Nantes,
two points behind. The story repeated itself the season afterwards,
this time Nantes won by seven points. In 67, Girondins finished
fourth and the average age of the team started to be worrying. Artigas left
for FC Barcelona and Bakrim took charge and kept Bordeaux in contact
with the top spot without having the final success. Girondins reached
two Cup finals in a row in 68 and 69. In the 68 final, Girondins were
close to deny the Green of Saint Etienne the double when Wociak gave
Bordeaux the lead. However, Saint Etienne went on to win the final 2-1.
The following season, Bordeaux finished two points behind the
unbeatable Saint Etienne and lost 2-0 to Marseille in the Cup final
thanks two OM's goals in the last ten minutes. That was the end of an
era and it would take twelve years for Girondins to return to the
European scene (1970-1982).
As often is the case when the results aren't the expected ones,
the trainer got the blame and the trainers were many during this black period
in the Girondins history. For almost ten seasons in a row Bordeaux finished
between 10th and 17th in the final standings, fortunately, always on the
right side of relegation zone. Despite the disappointing performances,
the club had success in one arena, several youngsters saw the light
in the Marine blue and white colours including Internationals like
the keeper Philippe Bergeroo, defender Jean-Francois Domergue, Jean
Gallice and Francis Menieu. And of course, Alain Giresse,
the superstar midfielder who formed the best midfield in the world
in the mid eighties together with Michel Platini and Jean-Amadou
Tigana. Giresse made his debut on the 17th of October 1970 in
Nimes (born the 2nd of August 1952). Alain Giresse played 47 times
in the Blue shirt for France including the 82 & 86 World Cup and
crowned his career with the European Championship in 1984. The hihglight of
this bleak period was the Junior Championship won in 1976.
The lacking success can partly be blamed on the bad luck the club
had, for example at the start of the 74 season, Philippe Bergeroo
had a leg fracture and missed most of the season. And in October 1977,
the talented Swiss striker Daniel Jeandupeux had his career brutally
ended by a Marseille defender, only aged 28.
Brighter times were coming when the club was handed over to the young and
ambitious businessman and cashier of the club Claude Bez, when the former
President Jean Roureau left the ship. Bordeaux have just avoided
relegation, much thanks to the German defender Gernot Rohr.
Bez ambition is to bring back Bordeaux into the glory years of the late
sixties and early fifties, but not just that, but also to put Bordeaux
on the European soccer map. He will succeed with almost every goal,
only one thing will be missing at the cabinet Girondine.
Since a good side costs money and there is not much money to spend
Bez adopts the tactic of constantly signing players whose contracts have been
terminated. He quickly become known as very tough but fair in affairs.
Among the first joining the training centre at Rocquevielle are goalkeeper
Christian Delachet, Jacky Vergnes, Georges van Straelen and the
Captain of the Yugoslave team, Moncilo Vukotic, being the most prominent ones.
To lead the team the Argentine Luis Carniglia is called up.
(Carniglia scored for Nice in the Cup final in 1952). Things improve,
Bordeaux finish 10th in 1979. Claude Bez is not satisfied, so he goes up
shopping a new forward line. And it's big names he goes for, Bernard
Lacombe, Albert Gemmrich and another French International,
Gerard Soler. Among the other signings Jean-Christophe Thouvenel and
Omar Sahnoun, deserve mention. Despite the qualities at place, Carniglia
fail to form a winning team and leaves the club on the brink of relegation.
However, Bez has the solution, he calls for the help of
"Raymond-the-Science", i.e. the Belgian Raymond Goethals who have
numerous successes with different clubs. Goethals makes Bordeaux
a winning team and with a remarkable finish, Girondins end sixth.
The season got a saddened ending when Omar Sahnoun dies under training
suffering from a heart attack only 25 years old.
In June, Aime Jacquet arrives to Rocquevielle to take charge, he
has just saved Lyon from relegation. The roster is strengthened further
with the signings of Marius Tresor, Francois Bracci (both defenders
of International quality), Jean Fernandez and Rene Girard.
Jacquet introduces his favoured 4-4-2 system and that means
that either Gemmrich or Soler have to sit on the bench (both
Internationals for their respective countries) since Bernard Lacombe
is set in stone (Lacombe together with Gigi Giresse and Edouard Kargu
are the best scorers for the club). Girondins finish third and
are guaranteed a place in the Euro Cup sun again, after 12 dark
years. To stay competitive on the international level, Bordeaux
sign defender Kourichi and Yugoslave National goalkeeper Dragan Pantelic.
Not to mention, Jean Tigana who is signed for the low sum of two
million francs, at the time that was an enormous sum, but shortly
afterwards many clubs offered over ten million for the outstanding
midfielder. Pantelic quickly becomes famous since his shot is terrific
and he converts two penalties for Bordeaux. Unfortunately, his career
in France ends earlier than expected on the 16th of April, when
Bordeaux lose 1-0 to Lens (on an offside goal). A linesman receives
a blow on the way out to the lockers and turns around hitting the one he
thought attacked him, Pantelic. Pantelic denies all involvement,
but is still suspended for one year. Bordeaux protests by fielding
Alain Giresse (1 meter and 63 cm tall) in goal in the game in Nantes,
he is replaced by defender Marius Tresor on the hour, the Canaries
win 6-0. Girondins finish fourth in the league and perform honourably
in the UEFA Cup beating Hamburg Sport Verein at home 2-1 and just losing
2-0 in Hamburg (the Germans go on to lose the final against IFK Goteborg).
Though, 1982 is also the year of the World Cup in Spain, Bordeaux
have eight representatives in the tournament, Pantelic and Kourichi
for their respective countries and Tresor, Tigana, Giresse, Soler,
Girard and Lacombe for France.
Girondins stay on course for bigger things to come, several players leave
and new ones arrive, German Caspar Memering and Dieter Mueller, Leonard Specht
and Raymond Domenech tighten the defence while youngster Richard
Ruffier enters in the goal. The club also moves to the new sport complex
in Le Haillan. Bordeaux beat Carl Zeiss Jena in the first round of the UEFA
Cup but are in trouble in the second round losing 4-1 in Split, the
tie is turned around with a stunning 4-0 at Parc Lescure. The adventure
ends in Romania after Bordeaux have won the first leg 1-0, they lose
in extra-time 2-0 against Universitatea Craiova. In the league, Bordeaux
are again runner-ups to Nantes who take the title with a comfortable
ten points.
The following season (1983/84), Delachet is back between the post
and Patrick Battiston and Thierry Tusseau join the club. At the winter
break, Bordeaux are five points clear of Monaco, however, the early spring
sees Bordeaux failing to beat the lower ranked teams and in the beginning
of April, Monaco are in the lead one point ahead of Bordeaux. The four
remaining rounds are hot, Bordeaux go level on points with better
goal difference in the second to last round when they win while
Monaco just draw. In the final week, Bordeaux have the title in reach
needing a win in Rennes who are already doomed. Goals from Bernard Lacombe
and Dieter Mueller bring the title back to Gironde despite Monaco
winning their final game in Nantes.
For the campaign in the European Champions Cup, Girondins
have a new goalkeeper, Dominique Dropsy (whose record of most
games in the first division was beaten by Jean-Louis Etorri last
season). Bordeaux also do their biggest signing in the history when they
buy the wonder of Benfica, Fernando Chalana. Which turns out to be the most
tragical one, too, since Chalana gets a severe injury in a League Cup game
in Limoges and never fully recovers, only playing twelve times for the club
in Championship. Still, Bordeaux have a remarkable season, particularly
in the Champions Cup. Basque Athletic Bilbao is the first victim losing
3-2 at Lescure and failing to break the deadlock at home (0-0). In the
second round the Bordelais need extra time to go through after winning
the home leg 1-0 and losing the return 1-0. Though, in extra time,
it's Bordeaux who score the winning goal much to the disgrace of the Dynamo
Bucharest supporters in the stadium. In the quarter final, Bordeaux drew
1-1 at home while the return leg isn't played in Dnjepropetrovsk
since the city is a "closed city". This doesn't favour the Ukrainian side
naturally and Girondins manage to get away with the 1-1 draw.
On the penalties, it is Fernando Chalana who scores the winner with the wrong
foot! The semi final, sees Bordeaux crashing three to nil in Turin against
a fantastic Juventus side lead by Michel Platini. Platini are involed
in all three goals, scoring one and setting up the other two. Still, the shock
is near in the return leg. 41200 spectators turn up at Parc Lescure, the
biggest gate of all time in Bordeaux to see the Girondins coming very close to
the upset. Dieter Mueller give Girondins the lead on 25 minutes and Patrick
Battiston adds a second ten minutes from time. Bordeaux are very close to a
third in the final minutes, but Juve hold on and beat Liverpool 1-0 (Platini)
in the infamous final at Heysel where many fans are killed.
The Championship is won thanks to a double over Atlantic coast
rivals Nantes 2-1 at home and 1-0 in Nantes to clinch the title three
points ahead of Canaries. The record being an impressive 25 wins, nine
draws and four losses, 70 goals scored and 27 conceded.
The 1985/86 season is a lot less glorious with a bare third
place in the league behind winners Paris Saint Germain and a big failure
in the Champions Cup losing 3-2 at home to Fenerbahce and failing to win
in Istanbul, an immediate elimination from European glory. The consolation
comes in form of the second Coupe de France. Bordeaux beat PSG in the
semi final 1-1 away and 2-1 at home and meet up with Marseille in
the final. Olympique have just changed Prsident and come in the hands of
Bernard Tapie. Girondins get the revenge for the Cup 43 years earlier,
despite Marseille taking the lead Bordeaux get the last laugh. Jean Tigana
equalizes quickly and a superb goal by Alain Giresse gives
Girondins the trophy in extra-time. To keep the pace with Marseille,
Claude Bez opens the chest, with enormous consequences to
come. Philippe Vercruysse, Jose Toure and Jean-Marc Ferreri plus
the Yugoslave siblings Zoran and Zlatko Vujovic join the club for
big money. Although, Alain Giresse quits for the arch-rivals OM after the
quarrel with Bez (an affair still in the dark). In December, Bez signs
the completely unknown Philippe Fargeon, this proves to be a wonderful
move and not the foolish one everyone thought. Fargeon scores fifteen
goals in 18 games. These goals help Girondins to catch OM and
pass them thanks to a three goals victory at Lescure on the 11th of April
1987. Marseille finish the season on a bad streak and end up four
points behind the Girondins who take their fourth title. The Cup final
is the same as the gone season since Bordeaux advance after "beating"
second division Ales on away goals (2-2 in Ales and 0-0 at home). Marseille
beat Reims with little trouble. In the final however, Girondins win two goals
to nil thanks to Philippe Fargeon (14) and Zlatko Vujovic (88).
That gave Bordeaux the domestic double and the best season in their history
up-to-date. Although, they were close to a third title, in the Cup
Winners Cup. An easy first round defeating Irish side Waterford was
followed by a hot match in Lisbon against Benfica, in front of 110,000
spectators, Bordeaux scrape a 1-1 draw and win 1-0 at home. In the quarter
final it's tense again. Girondins beat Torpedo Moscow 1-0 at home, but
are near elimination losing 3-2 in Moscow.
In the semi final, it's one traffic against the East German goal,
despite the huge domination by the Girondins, it's Lokomotiv Leipzig
who win 1-0. In the return leg, Zlatko Vujovic, with the help of German
defender scores in the fourth minute. Dominique Dropsy saves a penalty
before the final whistle and since the extra time is fruitless, the match
is decided on penalties. After six penalties each, the match is still
not decided, Zlatko Vujovic refuses to shoot (since he missed
a penalty in Nantes earlier in the season), even the other striker,
Philippe Fargeon refuses (for unknown reasons) and it's up to Zoran Vujovic,
the defender to take it and as you might have guessed, he misses!
So close... but so far.
The season afterwards could never live up to the earlier one,
despite going to the quarter finals in the Champions' Cup against PSV
from Eindhoven, Bordeaux are denied another semi final spot due
to the away goals (1-1, 0-0). Although, the clash will be
remembered for the intentional injury caused on Jean Tigana by one of the
PSV players. In the championship, Patrick Battiston's new club Monaco take
the title six points ahead of his former club.
Despite big signings, Enzo Scifo, Clive Allen, Jesper Olsen, etc
the losses and the big changes sees Girondins making their worst season
for ten years finishing just 13th in the league and ashamed by SSC Napoli
in the third round of the UEFA Cup. The financial consequences
are big since the only way to finance the big signings would be a season
with European success. Aime Jacquet was fired and replaced by Couecou
during the course of the season.
In an last attempt to save the sinking ship Bez brought back
Goethals as trainer and player movements were big once again.
The most surprising one was between Marseille and Bordeaux.
Girondins got Bell, Allofs, Durand and Meyrieu from Marseille
while OM received Tigana and Alain Roche, the later formed
in Bordeaux making his debut in 1986. Among the other newcomers can
be noticed Dutchman Piet den Boer, Jean-Luc Dogon and
the return of Battiston. Girondins looked like the future champions
until they lost at Velodrome in April, these two points were the
difference between the two teams when the championship closed.
That was the end of the Claude Bez era because in the summer
of 1990 the unstoppable happened, it was revealed that
Bez had spent up to 300 million Francs he didn't have. The league
results were thereafter and Bordeaux were again humiliated by
an Italian side, this time Roma, in the UEFA Cup. Thanks to Jean-Didier
Lange, the right hand of spectacles manufacturer Alain Afflelou, who
stepped in to save the club from complete ruin. A great finish
lead by interim manager Gerard Gili saw Girondins finishing tenth,
but only one goal from a European place since the final match
in Lyon decided which of the two would take the final
UEFA Cup spot. Despite the rescue plan, the club was relegated
due to the financial problems. 29 years in the top flight came
to an end.
The relegation meant that many players left, among them Joseph-
Antoine Bell, the Cameroonian keeper, French Internationals Jean-Marc
Ferreri, Didier Deschamps and Jean-Philippe Durand and the foreigners
Patrick Vervoort (Belgium) and Wim Kieft (The Netherlands). Patrick Battiston
retired, but remained at the club as Sports Director. Fortunately,
some players had the courage to stay and some arrived, lead by OM refugee
Gaetan Huard, who didn't get any playing time at Velodrome after an injury,
Tierry Fernier, German Rainer Ernst and the two promising youngsters Patrice
Marquet and Ronan Salaun, who arrived from Brest during the course of
the season. Unfortunately, the two groups were unevenly split and the
two top clubs ended up in the same group. It was a dog fight all down
the wire between Bordeaux and Strasbourg which Girondins won with 52 points
while Strasbourg ended on 49. Justice was later sealed when Strasbourg won
the playoff. Girondins destroyed Valenciennes in the Second Division
Championship winning 3-2 in Valenciennes and 4-0 at home to prove
the serious imbalance betwen the two groups. Notable is also that
both Bordeaux and Strasbourg had higher average attendances than
most first division sides, even the supporters turned up behind the club
at the hard times.
Girondins lead by Alain Afflelou and Jean-Didier Lange planned
the return to the top flight well by bringing in Rolland Courbis as trainer,
one of the best in the country. Intelligent signings were also made,
especially U-21 International Zinedine Zidane from Cannes and the two
Brazilians Valdeir and Marcio Santos from Botafogo, both on the virtue
of International class for the best team in the world, at the time.
The talented squad plus the leadership qualities of Courbis gave Bordeaux
an immediate return to the heights of French soccer finishing fourth and
joining the European competitions in the promotee season. Notable is the
fantastic performance by Gaetan Huard who was unbeaten
for 1176 minutes, a record which will be hard to beat. The following
season also finished with a fourth place and another European journey.
The UEFA Cup campaign came to a sudden and surprising end in the third
round where German side Karlsruher SC got too tough winning 3-0 at home after
Bordeaux had won the first leg 1-0 at home.
At the end of last season, Rolland Courbis was forced to leave the club
due to conflicts with the board which still are not fully revealed. That lead
to several players leaving and few brought in. The major loss wasn't due to
that though, World Champion Marcio Santos was sold to Italian club Fiorentina.
The loss of Santos and the defensive tactics employed by the new trainer,
Portuguese Toni, turned in results far below expectations mostly due to the
instability in the defence Santos left. Bordeaux went out in the second round
of the UEFA Cup against Polish side GKS Katowice and have struggled to keep
in touch with the top four which would give another European adventure, which
of course is the aim.
The backbone of the team today is remarkable keeper Gaetan Huard,
who at his best is one of the best keepers in the country, but also makes the
odd blunders from time to time, French International lefter Bixente Lizarazu,
the "Magician" Zinedine Zidane and the quality strikers, Brazilian Valdeir
and the French International Christophe Dugarry.
Quick summary of the Honours won by Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux
Founded: 1881
Stadium: Parc Lescure
Colours: Bordeaux red and Marine Blue (used to be marine blue and
white up til recently)
Champion de France: 1950, 1984, 1985, 1987
Vice-Champion de France: 1952, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1983, 1988, 1990
Coupe de France Winners : 1941, 1986, 1987
Coupe de France finalist: 1943, 1952, 1955, 1964, 1968, 1969 |
Champions de Gambardella (Junior Champions): 1976
Champions Cup semifinalist: 1985
Cup Winners' Cup semifinalist: 1987
Finally, I want to thank my friend Dominique Delbrayelle, who
has filled in many blanks over recent years.
written by
KENT HEDLUNDH