Alain Carré (Colomiers): “This whole generation from 2000-2002 is very strong”

For the second time in a row, Colomiers has reached the Pro D2 jump-off. Do you consider this assessment to be satisfactory when starting a new exercise?

Even if, three years ago, there was no final phase, we were first on the 24th day. So we finished three times in the qualifying places. Of course, when you get to the jump-off, you want to do one more lap. But looking back, it’s still good. And this year, we’re doing it again!

How has the club progressed behind the scenes?

It has progressed well. Halfway through the season, we added five people who are under 50 to the board of directors. This will give a boost, they will bring new ideas. We are now seventeen. Since the liquidation and the filing for bankruptcy in 2003, we, the leaders, have spoken very little about ourselves and that is why, moreover, we got away with it during the three federal raids. We want it to continue by bringing more people. We will continue in the spirit of Colomiers.

The main shareholding has also changed hands…

Indeed, it was me until now. Today, it’s Alain Montean. These five new shareholders brought some money to the SASP. The capital increased by €430,000. This is what it is today.

The twenty-one players at the end of the contract can lead to an end of cycle in Colomiers. How do you see him as president?

For the time being, we do not yet know what will happen. But this season, we bet on youth. The coaches have confidence in our youngsters. They think it will happen. Besides, if you don’t try, you can’t know. Those we have already seen, like Yann Peysson and Pierre-Samuel Pacheco, are promising. Robin Bellemand too, who played with the France under-20 team.

Will the young Columérins compensate for this tight recruitment?

It’s true that we only have two recruits plus a loan. It is certainly the smallest recruitment in the professional world. But beware: this whole 2000, 2001 and 2002 generation is very strong. We are lucky to have these boys, we must take advantage of it. And see them in the field. This is why this year will be truly pivotal. A test even. Anyway, Yann Kergourlay (Head of Recruitment, Editor’s note) already has names for next season. It is certain that this year, the discussions take place much more upstream than what we usually do. Because twenty-one ends of contract, I don’t know if it’s ever happened to Colomiers.

The question of the extension of the staff was to be addressed this summer. What about so far?

Yes, it was for this summer. Before the start of the championship, we will be fixed as to their future. There is a tendency to continuity but it is not done all the same. We are talking but I absolutely want us to know before the start of the season. For Florian Nicot, who has just arrived, it’s something else.

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