Volleyball (League B). David Guelle, President of Royan Atlantique Volleyball: I am happy but tired

I took the time to celebrate, but as of Monday (May 18), it was time to get back to work. I am happy but tired.

I took the time to celebrate, but as of Monday (May 18), it was time to get back to work. I am happy but tired.

Isn’t this promotion to Marmara Spikeligue a bit early?

It is earlier than expected, that’s for sure! Is it too early? I don’t know. But as I have just retired as a player, this promotion comes at the right time for me. I need to take on new challenges and I like that. I wouldn’t have liked to be president of a club that remains in Ligue B.

Can you update us on the movements within the club?

For arrivals, we have welcomed Guillaume Recurt who was an assistant coach in Tourcoing (Marmara Spikeligue). He will be the head coach and will implement a modern management style, not a coach who “scolds” players. Two players have agreed to join us: Victor Socié (Ajaccio, Ligue B) and Maxime Hervoir (Montpellier, Marmara Spikeligue). Maxime, who is from Royan, has just been crowned French champion with Montpellier. Gauthier Bonnefoy is ending his player career, Matchello Gabali and Julien Bernard are also leaving.

What about Martin Lallemand?

He wanted to return to his native Belgium or play at the highest level in France. He had signed a contract in Belgium but our promotion changes things. We want to keep him.

You had mentioned the need for a squad of 15 players for Marmara Spikeligue.

At the moment, we are focusing on our starting 6. But we will also incorporate young players from our future training center. We are in the recruitment phase and we will see these young players during two testing days on May 30 and 31.

You had a budget of 930,000 euros; do you need to increase it?

Yes, we are working to expand our number of partners. We currently have 60, and we hope to reach 100. I have not yet met with the officials of public authorities, but I plan to discuss with Patrick Marengo (mayor of Royan and president of the Royan Atlantique agglomeration community) on Friday (May 22) over a beer (the town hall of Royan is indeed organizing a reception in honor of the Pirates, Ed. Note)! The ticket price will likely increase for the public, we will probably go from 10 to 15 euros per match and we will be able to welcome 1,500 spectators.

Will you get a player license next season?

Yes, to play with the reserve team.

What do you know about the upcoming championship?

We were auditioned a few days ago by the DNACG (National Steering and Management Control Directorate), and we are waiting for their feedback. For the championship, we know it will consist of 14 teams and we will play our first match in October against Montpellier (champion of France 2026) in front of Bein Sports cameras.

What will be your goal?