The season may not be over yet, but Saint-Brice Courcelles is relieved. Now assured of their maintenance in N1, the club is already looking towards the future. The club has already announced the recruitment of four players. The focus is clear for coach Yohan Herbulot, to promote youth, while possibly adding another profile.
The victory against Beaune last Saturday was definitely a morale booster. The uncertainty surrounding their maintenance is now gone (with an added promotion to N3 for the reserve team). This sets them up for a calm start to the next season and to see the first part of the season as a learning experience despite the potential of a largely renewed squad (2 wins in 12 games). Yohan Herbulot, the coach of ASSBCH for two years, sums it up well in two words: “learning and adaptation.”
Challenges were faced mainly due to offensive deficiencies, with a playing style described as “a bit too academic” by their coach, even though evident progress was made towards the end of the season. This progression helped them move out of the relegation zone and secure 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 2 years before returning to N1,” explained Yohan Herbulot with determination. This mindset is reflected in the profiles of the first confirmed signings.
Looking ahead
The first challenge for Coach Brico is to find stability. “Every year, we count on departures. It weighs heavily. Next season, we want to rely on younger players, from the youth system. We are betting on youth to build their confidence, to give them the opportunity to express themselves and support them to the fullest,” explains Herbulot. This envisions a playing style more focused on the outside and overall expanding the offensive range. The first recruit announced, Clément Spica Dalia, fits perfectly into this project. Hailing from Brittany, this versatile 20-year-old right-back is valued for his game reading and ability to dive into spaces. More experienced, Thomas Jeandon, will need to bring his explosiveness, power, and goal sense. A small center-half (1m78) trained in Rosières, he had been Soissons’ top scorer in N2.
On the right wing, Clément Bouba, trained in Mantes-la-Jolie and nicknamed the “bouncing lefty” on the Saint-Brice Courcelles club website, will also bring his speed and impact. “I will need one or two veterans who can hold the fort and bring serenity, filling in where youth may fall short,” adds Yohann Herbulot. Lucas Rancé and Nathan Pouillard are expected to take on more responsibility within the group. The signing of Mohamed Naceur Bahria (28 years old) follows this direction. Straight from Lille, this Tunisian left-back is powerful both offensively and defensively due to his 1.95m frame and strong shooting, making him one of the top scorers in his pool with an average of 6.3 goals per game. This recruitment may not be over. With expected departures, the maintenance in N1 requires the club to bring on a player with a professional contract. This leads the club to search for an additional profile. More answers will come in the upcoming weeks.
