It really says it all about Chateauroux's season that they were ultimately disappointed to miss out on a place in the promotion play-offs.
La Berrichonne won the third-tier title last season to make their return to this level after two years away. Jean-Luc Vasseur came in as coach and was tasked with keeping them clear of trouble and consolidating the club back in Ligue 2. He was more than successful, with Vasseur's side finishing ninth, their best performance since coming seventh in this division in 2007.
It really could have been better though - they were in a play-off spot after Week 34, largely thanks to a run of 11 home games without losing at the Stade Gaston-Petit from the start of October to the end of March. But they failed to win any of their last four matches, and their top-five hopes were already over going into the final weekend.
"I think it has been a marvellous learning experience, fantastic," said Vasseur. "As for what the future will hold, we don't know. We are going to enjoy this because it has been a long, hard season, but very appreciable."
The loan signings of goalkeeper Mouez Hassen and Said Benrahma proved successful, while Maxime Barthelme and Oumare Tounkara made precious contributions. The star, though, was Sidy Sarr, with the young midfielder from Senegal scoring 11 league goals on loan from Belgian side Kortrijk. Chateauroux have moved to make his signing permanent.
