Vincent Boisgard Popular Books

Vincent Boisgard Biography & Facts

Pau Football Club, commonly referred to as Pau FC, is a professional football club based in Pau, capital of Béarn, France. Pau FC plays its home matches at the Nouste Camp and competes in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. Nicknamed Les Maynats, Pau FC traces its origins to the patronage of the Bleuets de Notre-Dame, officially founded in 1920 in the Mayolis district. By the onset of the 1958-59 season, the Bleuets had ascended to the highest amateur division in the French football league system, prompting religious authorities to acknowledge its sporting prowess, surpassing that of a mere local football club. Under the stewardship of its founding president, José Bidegain, the Bleuets de Notre-Dame's senior team transitioned into the Football-Club de Pau. By the 60s, they had settled in the Stade du Hameau, harbouring ambitions of turning professional. However, recurrent financial troubles weakened the club, necessitating interventions from the municipal authorities of Pau. Consequently, FC Pau endured relegation woes, dropping back to the regional South West League. Despite management's aspirations, professional status eluded them. The 90s witnessed reckless spending in pursuit of promotion to Ligue 2, culminating in financial insolvency and relegation to the fourth tier of French football in 1995. A revival came under the guidance of former players Bernard Laporte-Fray and Joël Lopez, who rebranded the club as Pau Football Club. Financial restructuring ensued, stabilising the club in the third tier until 2007. However, subsequent relegation compounded by non-sporting crises, delayed their return to the third division until the 2016–17 season. In 2019, marking 59 years since its inception, Pau FC celebrated the opening of its inaugural stadium, Nouste Camp. The club's achievements include winning the Championnat National in 2020, winning the National 2 title twice in 1998 and 2016 and winning the French South-West League in 1958 and 1968. The pinnacle of their achievements arrived with victory in the Championnat National, the third division, during the 2019–20 season, earning the club promotion to Ligue 2. This ushered in a period of unprecedented success, as the club seeks to firmly establish itself in the realm of the French football league system. History Bleuets de Notre-Dame (1920–59) The history of football in Pau begins in 1888 with the establishment of the Association Bourbaki. In 1904, the football section of this organization was founded under the name Football Association Bourbaki. While football gained significance in Pau from 1909 with the initiation of JAB de Pau, rugby union remained the predominant sport in the Béarn and Gascony regions. Until the end of World War II, FA Bourbaki was the flagship football club in Béarn. At the beginning of the Trente Glorieuses, the post-World War II period of rapid economic growth in France, the Bleuets de Notre-Dame patronage, located in the Mayolis Quarter, reached the highest amateur league in the French football league system, known as the Division Nationale. The small neighborhood patronage evolved into an institution representing the city and Béarn. The diocese, recognizing that this level of sports activity extended beyond the scope of a simple neighborhood sports association, sought to disengage. They then began the search for leaders capable of managing a club of this magnitude. Football Club de Pau (1959–95) The "Football Club de Pau" was officially established on 19 May 1959 by José Bidegain, marking a significant milestone in the history of football in the region. This made it the only football club hailing from the Béarn or Gascony areas of France. Notably, it also stood as one of the very few clubs in the broader South West region of France, apart from well-known cities like Toulouse and Bordeaux, to compete at the national level in the French football league system. In its early days, the club faced unique challenges due to the lack of a dedicated home ground. Instead, it used various stadiums in the city of Pau, such as the "Stade des Bleuets" and "Stade Bourbaki." The club proudly embraced the blue and white colors of its patronage roots and carried forward the motto "Vaincre ou sourire" (Conquer or Smile). One of the significant achievements for FC Pau came in the form of reclaiming the spot that belonged to the "Bleuets" in the French Amateur Championship for the 1959–1960 season. However, financial difficulties stemming from limited infrastructure posed challenges for the club's stability. During its inaugural season, FC Pau finished in the 7th position within the CFA Sud-Ouest group. As the club progressed into its second season, it began to solidify its position and attract experienced players. Despite facing player departures and changes in coaching staff, FC Pau managed to maintain its competitive standing in the championship. This resilience demonstrated the club's determination and dedication to making its mark on the football scene, not only regionally but also nationally. Progressive Withdrawal of José Bidegain In the 1964–1965 season, FC Pau experienced its first relegation in history. José Bidegain gradually stepped back from the club's leadership, allowing James Chambaud to assume the presidency. The relegation to a regional level brought about increased financial difficulties. Operating without proper facilities, the club faced a nomadic existence, utilizing various stadiums in Pau. During this period, young player Paul Escudé stood out, becoming the first player from Pau to join the France national youth football team. The club later regained its status in the highest amateur level in 1968–69, but this season also marked the departure of the promising Paul Escudé, who joined Girondins de Bordeaux. Despite its efforts, FC Pau remained relatively isolated in the local sports scene, with historical patronage clubs not fully recognizing its legitimacy. Consequently, FC Pau experienced a second relegation to the regional divisions of the South-West League in 1969. Construction & Ambition under Pierre Clède's Leadership (1975–81) Pierre Clède assumed leadership of the club in 1975 amidst sporting and financial challenges. The club spent two seasons in the Regional Divisions of the South West League before reclaiming a spot in the Fourth Division in 1978–1979. Clède aimed to reach the second division within five seasons, but declining results and stadium attendance posed difficulties. The legendary player of Stade Montois, Jacques Foix, took over as coach in the 1980–1981 season, but financial issues persisted, impacting results. However, Paul Escudé returned to the club, overseeing youth teams and significantly influencing its development. Ultimately, at the start of the 1981–1982 season, Paul Escudé assumed responsibility for the first team and injected new energy into the club. Despite financial challenges, the club's outdated Ousse-des-Bois Stadium no longer met .... Discover the Vincent Boisgard popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Vincent Boisgard books.