Pau FC

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.[2]

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.[3]

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.[4]

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.

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.[5]

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.

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,[6] 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 its needs.

In the 1980s, president Clède sought the fusion of historical Pau football clubs to address infrastructure deficiencies. Yet, strong resistance from local clubs, particularly JAB de Pau, thwarted these efforts. Amidst this impasse, Clède shifted focus and aimed to model FC Pau after professional clubs from smaller cities like AJ Auxerre or Stade Lavallois.

FC Pau regained Division 3 status at the start of the 1983-1984 season, led by iconic coach Paul Escudé. The club's return sparked growing enthusiasm, attracting over 8,000 spectators to the Coupe de France match against AS Saint-Étienne. The following season, FC Pau narrowly missed professional promotion but demonstrated remarkable progress. Under Xavier Gravelaine's influence, the club showcased an offensive style of play, thrilling fans at Stade du Hameau.[7]

However, the late 1980s brought financial difficulties again, alleviated partially by the intervention of Mayor André Labarrère. As Paul Escudé's tenure ended in 1990, the club underwent leadership changes and narrowly avoided relegation. Challenges persisted, with a dilapidated Ousse-des-Bois Stadium highlighting the need for revitalization.

In 1991, real estate developer Alain Pitoun assumed control of FC Pau, ushering in a new era. Pitoun appointed Paul Escudé as coach, aiming to secure promotion and revitalize the club's image. The club shifted its colors back to the original blue and white of the Bleuets de Notre-Dame. Pitoun's arrival, reminiscent of Bernard Tapie, shook the Pau football landscape. With Richard Allenda as sporting director, the club underwent a high-profile recruitment drive, attracting notable talents like Claude Lowitz and Patrick Cubaynes or Billy Thompson. FC Pau transitioned from a decaying Ousse-des-Bois Stadium to Stade du Hameau.

Despite financial challenges, the Pitoun era cultivated a fervent fan base and ambitious aspirations, marked by a notable run in the Coupe de France. However, financial issues escalated, culminating in Pitoun's departure amidst legal troubles and financial liabilities, having already been targeted by several attacks from the Iparretarrak group. The club faced liquidation, resulting in a series of leadership changes and instability.

FC Pau's participation in the newly established National Championship marked a turning point. Despite challenges, the club showcased potential, defeating notable teams in the Coupe de France. Financial problems worsened, leading to player strikes and Pitoun's resignation. The club was eventually liquidated in 1995, ending a tumultuous chapter in its history.

The Football-Club de Pau, having faced a period of judicial liquidation, rises from its ashes through the efforts of Bernard Laporte-Fray, a former goalkeeper of the club. Laporte-Fray had been a starter during the 1982–83 season, when FC Pau gained promotion to Division 3 of the French Football Championship. Twelve years later, he becomes the president of the newly established Pau Football Club.

The Pau Football Club is officially reestablished on 14 June 1995, adopting the iconic yellow and blue colors of the city of Pau.[8] Two competing projects vied for the revival of FC Pau: one led by Laporte-Fray, and the other by the former club president, Pierre Clède. Ultimately, the project of the Pau Football Club proposed by Laporte-Fray was chosen by Mayor André Labarrère.[9]

Robert Péré-Escamps, a former emblematic captain of the 1980s, was appointed as the coach with the mission of maintaining the club's position in National 2, following its administrative relegation in the previous season. Drastic changes are made to the club's sporting policies, resulting in the departure of several players such as Frédéric Viseux, José Dalmao, Bob Senoussi, and Pascal Plancque.

Pau FC embarked on its new journey at the Stade du Hameau with a 1-0 victory over Dijon FCO, marking the beginning of this new era.

In 1996, René Girard was appointed as the coach of Pau FC, with the goal of returning the team to the Championnat National before advancing to Ligue 2. During his tenure, Edouard Cissé made his debut in the first team and later transferred to Paris Saint-Germain.[10] However, Girard's efforts did not yield desired results in the Championnat National, leading to his dismissal in December 1997. Girard cited behind-the-scenes influence and lack of control over recruitment as reasons for his departure. Legal disputes ensued, and Joël Lopez and Richard Allenda temporarily managed the team. Under Pascal Plancque's coaching, Pau FC reached the 8th round of the Coupe de France, facing Paris Saint-Germain and iconic Selecao captain Raí, who went on to score the winning goal.[11] Despite losing, the match showcased Pau FC's resilience against a stronger opponent.[12]

The club's fortunes fluctuated in the following years, including a period of turmoil due to legal issues involving club officials Bernard Laporte-Fray and Richard Allenda. The presidency changed hands, with Joël Lopez taking over. Notable figures like Edouard Cissé and Tino Costa made appearances for Pau FC, contributing to the team's efforts. The team maintained its presence in the National until 2008 when relegation to the Championnat National 2 occurred after a decade and the club faced challenges both on and off the field, seeking stability and development amid financial constraints.

Between 2001 and 2008, Pau FC faced a series of challenges that led to significant changes and setbacks. In 2001, the club was plunged into turmoil following the conviction of its president, Bernard Laporte-Fray, and its sporting director, Richard Allenda, for the possession of cocaine.[13] This legal issue resulted in suspended prison sentences for both individuals. As a consequence, Laporte-Fray was banned from any sports-related activities until 2009, though he remained the majority shareholder of the club.

The club's leadership changed hands during this period, with Jacques le Coadou assuming the presidency temporarily and later succeeded by Joël Lopez. The club faced challenges not only in terms of leadership but also on the field, struggling to maintain a stable identity and achieve consistent results. In the 2005–06 season, under the management of Marc Lévy, the club loaned André-Pierre Gignac, then a young player who made a significant impact by scoring eight goals in twenty matches, contributing to the team's survival.[14]

The club's fortunes took a further downturn, leading to its relegation from the Championnat National to National 2 in 2008. This relegation prompted the need for a major restructuring and a renewed focus on youth development.

The subsequent years saw Pau FC struggling in the lower divisions, with relegation to National 2 in the 2007–08 season. During this period, the club underwent several changes in leadership, and a lack of stability hindered its progress. Financial difficulties and a decline in public support further compounded the club's challenges.

Bernard Laporte-Fray returned to the presidency in 2010, aiming to revitalize the club and steer it towards a successful future. Laporte-Fray's efforts included increasing the budget to support the club's ambitions of returning to higher divisions, with a focus on Championnat National and ultimately Ligue 2.[9]

Despite Laporte-Fray's initiatives, the club continued to struggle on and off the pitch. Attempts to secure financial stability and engage local players were met with mixed success. The club's survival remained a concern, with prominent figures like Jean-Michel Larqué expressing skepticism about potential mergers of various Pau-based football clubs.

The club's fortunes began to shift in the 2015-2016 season, as it achieved its best start and performance in years. Pau FC managed to secure promotion back to the third division (National), marking a positive turning point after years of challenges.

Les Maynats made their return to the Championnat National during the 2016–17 season and finished in 14th place, just above the relegation zone. The Pau FC secured a miraculous maintenance on the final day of the season with a 3-0 victory over Concarneau, benefitting from concurrent defeats suffered by Sedan and CA Bastia.

The 2017–18 season marked a period of consolidation for the team, anticipating the move to their new stadium, Nouste Camp. For the final game at Stade du Hameau, the team bid farewell to its old grounds in a match against the champion, Red Star FC. This transition marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the club's history.[15]

Under the leadership of David Vignes, who had a record tenure of nine seasons, Pau FC achieved a milestone, surpassing the reign of Paul Escudé.

In the 2018–19 season, the Pau FC, led by Italian coach Raffaele Novelli, aimed to reach Ligue 2 within three years. Notable arrivals on loan included Vincent Thill and Quentin Boisgard.

Novelli was replaced by Bruno Irles in January 2019, who was later assisted by Dado Pršo.

On 16 January 2020, Pau eliminated Ligue 1 side Bordeaux from the Coupe de France following a 3–2 victory.[16][17] Les Maynats went on to face national champions Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the cup, losing 2–0. Pau registered their highest attendance ever that day, with 16,707 persons witnessing the Parisian victory.[18]

When the 2019–20 Championnat National season was prematurely ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pau were top of the table, and were declared promoted to Ligue 2 by the FFF executive committee.[19] While they clinched the Champion of National title, it wasn't officially recognized by the Fédération française de football in the same way as Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 titles governed by the Ligue de football professionnel.[9]

At the outset of the 2020–21 season, Pau FC underwent a shift in leadership, parting ways with the duo of Irles and Prso. Didier Tholot was appointed as the head coach of the first team. Tholot expressed his desire for a vibrant team, setting a new direction for the club. The behind-the-scenes transition was documented, shedding light on the changes taking place. Facing the challenge of their debut Ligue 2 season with a meager budget of €6.5 million, the Pau FC aimed to secure swift retention in the division. Despite a challenging start, the team rallied in the latter half of the season and achieved an impressive 14th-place finish.[20] This marked a notable accomplishment in their inaugural season.[21]

Didier Tholot has been coaching Pau FC since 2020.

The following season, 2021–22, proved a turning point for Pau FC, achieving a historic milestone with a commendable 10th-place ranking in the league. This success led to Didier Tholot's nomination for the UNFP Best Ligue 2 Coach award, reflecting his contribution to the team's achievements.

The lead-up to the 2022–23 season signaled a shift in the club's sporting policy. Joël Lopez confirmed that the club would no longer prioritize player loans. Notably, the club achieved a record sale of €0.5 million with the transfer of Samuel Essende to SM Caen. However, the departure of key players who had been instrumental in their L2 promotion, such as Quentin Daubin, Victor Lobry, and Romain Armand, marked a significant transition period.

Embracing ambition, Pau FC adopted an international recruitment strategy, bringing in talents like Nguyễn Quang Hải from Hanoi FC and Diyaeddine Abzi from York United FC in Canada.[22] The signing of Quang Hai Nguyen garnered widespread attention on Asian social media platforms, enhancing the club's popularity in the region.[23] Pau FC then encountered new challenges, including counterfeit merchandise flooding the Asian market, as well as the high-profile winter transfer of goalkeeper Alexandre Olliero to Stade de Reims.[24]

At the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Pau FC embarked on a new era following a series of major changes in the club's leadership. A decisive victory against SM Caen at the end of the previous season ensured their retention in Ligue 2. Club president Bernard Laporte-Fray emphasized the need for a fresh start, highlighting his intent to rebuild the club. Despite Pau FC's modest size, Laporte-Fray pointed out that the club's payroll was comparable to that of other clubs such as Grenoble and QRM, and even exceeded some other clubs that performed well in the 2022-2023 Ligue 2 season. He took responsibility for reorganizing the club's structure to enhance its performance. His son, Yann Laporte-Fray, assumed the role of general director, Luis de Sousa joined as the sports director, and Nicolas Usaï took charge as the head coach.[25]

The departures of coach Didier Tholot and general director Joël Lopez were officially announced, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Reports indicated disagreements within the leadership since the winter transfer of Alexandre Olliero to Stade de Reims, a move that went through despite Tholot and Lopez's reservations. The concurrent arrival of Luis de Sousa as sporting director played a crucial role in this endeavor. This role had not been clearly defined during the club's first three seasons in Ligue 2. De Sousa was chosen to help build a strong team capable of remaining in Ligue 2. Additionally, President Laporte-Fray announced a partnership with neighboring club SD Huesca known for their expertise in scouting lesser-known players to excel in Spanish football.[26]