It may seem like an odd thing to say in the aftermath of an agonising defeat on penalties in the first round of the play-offs at home to Lens, but it was a fantastic season for Paris FC. The modest club from the capital enjoyed the best season in their modern era, finishing fourth in the table to reach the play-offs.
They had the best defensive record in the division, conceding a paltry 22 goals in 38 games, with goalkeeper Vincent Demarconnay keeping an incredible 23 clean sheets and being rewarded with a place in the Ligue 2 team of the season. They were excellent in front of their own fans at the Stade Charlety, losing just once there - against promoted Brest - despite the difficulties of playing in an athletics stadium that is far too big for their support. They were never out of the play-off places in the whole second half of the season, although they needed to win their final three games to make sure of a top-five berth. In the end their efforts were in vain, as they were beaten on penalties by Lens after a tie that ended 1-1 at the end of extra time, but there is plenty of reason to be proud and optimistic for the future.
"It has not been a good season, it has been an exceptional season," said coach Mecha Bazdarevic, appointed last summer to replace Fabien Mercadal, who was headhunted by Ligue 1 side Caen. There are ambitions to build on this, and things are looking good behind the scenes, with the club having opened a new academy and training centre near Orly airport, south of the city itself. Now they must try to keep this squad together and add to it.
As well as the veteran Demarconnay, Lalaina Nomenjanahary added his experience and Cyril Mandouki was solid in midfield. Burkina Faso international star Jonathan Pitroipa arrived with a great pedigree and provided flashes of his quality, while Silas Wamangituka was a revelation in attack. The 19-year-old Congolese forward was signed from lower-league Ales last summer and went on to score 11 goals, six of which secured 1-0 victories. He is on the radar of much bigger clubs. However, their standout performer was arguably the man whose penalty miss in the shoot-out against Lens cost them dear. France youth international left-back Romain Perraud was signed on loan when Thomas Delaine was sold to FC Metz late in the summer transfer window, but turned out to be a revelation with his runs forward down the flank and his ferocious shot. He will now hope to get a chance in Ligue 1 next season.
