Marked for Mario Balan-Bitca
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Squad2 Nov 2026
A one-man rearguard from Mory Diaw
There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Loan watch2 Nov 2026
“I watch every Le Havre AC game from here. That says everything about where my head is.” The loan at Nimes runs its course, but his heart never made the trip.
Squad2 Nov 2026
Mory Diaw gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Match31 Oct 2026
Beaten 0‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.
Boardroom2 Nov 2026
127% of the income goes out in wages at Le Havre AC
Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.
Squad2 Nov 2026
One booking too many, and Gautier Lloris sits out. Le Havre AC lose him for the sort of avoidable reason that makes a manager's week longer.
Back issues
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Match12 Sep 2026
4 matches without a win for Nimes
The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Nimes are no longer polite ones.
Squad14 Sep 2026
The manager makes an example of Alan Minaglia
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Match12 Sep 2026
Nimes and Tours take a point apiece
It finished 1‑1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.
Squad14 Sep 2026
At 17 years old, Mario Balan-Bitca became the latest name off the academy production line to be handed a senior shirt.
Squad14 Sep 2026
A new face in his position, and Pablo Martinez suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Nimes have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.
Squad14 Sep 2026
The shirt belongs to Lyes Houri now
At 30 he has made the position his own, and the man he took it from has to find something to say about it. Nimes have a decision that made itself.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad31 Aug 2026
The manager makes an example of Rassoul Ndiaye
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Match29 Aug 2026
Point won or two lost for Le Havre AC?
Ninety minutes, no goals, and the argument started before the car park emptied: a point gained, or two thrown away against RC Lens? Both sides of it will still be going on Thursday.
Squad31 Aug 2026
Every debut is a small story about the future: Thomas Rousseau, 18 years old, off the academy pitches and into the first team. The parents in the stand will keep the programme.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market31 Aug 2026
“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Nimes, and it is not being withdrawn.
Squad31 Aug 2026
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad31 Aug 2026
A new face in his position, and Pablo Martinez suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Nimes have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.