The season may not be over yet, but Saint-Brice Courcelles is relieved. Now assured of their maintenance in N1, the club is already focusing on the future. The club has already announced the recruitment of four players. The direction is clear for coach Yohan Herbulot, focusing on youth development, while also possibly looking for an additional profile in the future.
The victory against Beaune last Saturday was a boost. The uncertainty surrounding their maintenance is now lifted, (and even a promotion to N3 for the reserve team). This sets a serene tone for next season, despite the potential of a greatly renewed squad (2 wins out of 12 games). Yohan Herbulot, the coach of ASSBCH for two years, sums it up well in two words: “learning and adaptation.”
Difficulties were mainly due to offensive shortcomings and a game described as “a bit too academic” by their coach, despite evident progress towards the end of the season. This improvement allowed them to move out of the relegation zone and maintain their status in N1. “Even if we had ended up in N2 next season, our team would have been highly competitive, we wouldn’t have waited two years before returning to N1,” explained Yohan Herbulot determinedly. This mindset is reflected in the profiles of the first confirmed recruits.
Looking towards the future, the first challenge for Coach Brico is to find stability. “Every year, we count on departures. It weighs on us. Next season, we want to rely on younger players from our academy. We believe in the youth to boost their confidence, give them the opportunity to express themselves, and support them to the fullest,” he said. This envisions a game strategy more geared towards the outside and expanding the offensive repertoire in general. The first recruit, Clément Spica Dalia, fits perfectly into this vision. Coming from Brittany, this versatile 20-year-old right back is valued for his game reading and ability to exploit spaces. More experienced, Thomas Jeandon, will be expected to bring his explosiveness, power, and goal-scoring sense. A small center-back (1m78) trained in Rosières, he was the top scorer in N2 for Soissons.
On the right wing, Clément Bouba, trained in Mantes-la-Jolie and nicknamed the “bouncing left-handed” in his club’s profile, will also bring his speed and impact. “I will need one or two older players who can hold the fort and bring stability, filling in where youth may lack,” added Yohann Herbulot. Lucas Rancé and Nathan Pouillard are expected to take on more responsibility in the group. The recruitment of Mohamed Naceur Bahria (28 years old) aligns with this strategy. Coming directly from Lille, the Tunisian left back is powerful both offensively and defensively, given his 1.95m stature and strong shooting ability, making him one of the top scorers in his group with an average of 6.3 goals per game. This recruitment may not be complete. With expected movements in terms of departures, maintaining N1 requires the club to add a player with a professional contract. This pushes the club to seek an additional profile. Answers will come in the following weeks.
