Valenciennes FC (VAFC) has officially named Vincent Hognon as its new head coach, introducing him to the role as the club seeks to pull itself out of a challenging start to the season. On December 16, 2024, the appointment was announced, with Hognon tasked with steering the team away from three consecutive defeats and toward improved performance.
Henrik Kraft, the president of VAFC, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating, "Je me félicite de l’arrivée de Vincent Hognon en tant qu’entraineur du VAFC. Son expérience, son exigence et ses succès passés sont de véritables atouts pour redresser la situation sportive..." This sentiment reflects the club's pressing need for revitalization, particularly as it has dropped to 12th place in the National league.
Hognon, who is 50 years old, steps up to the challenge armed with considerable experience and previous successes. His career spans various levels of French football, including significant tenures at clubs such as Metz and Grenoble. Between 2018 and 2020, Hognon guided Metz to the Ligue 1, where his tenure was marked with notable achievements, including retaining the club’s top-flight status.
Afterward, Hognon’s coaching path took him to the FC Swift of Luxembourg, followed by two successful seasons with the Grenoble Foot 38, where he managed to keep the team steady within Ligue 2. His record demonstrates resilience and acumen, qualities the club’s decision-makers believe are necessary for revitalizing VAFC, especially after the sacking of previous coach Ahmed Kantari three weeks prior.
Ben Chorley, the sporting director of VAFC, echoed the enthusiasm for Hognon’s arrival, emphasizing the importance of experience and success: "Nous sommes heureux d’accueillir Vincent à Valenciennes. Lorsque nous avons entamé le processus de recherche d’un entraîneur principal, nous voulions quelqu’un avec une grande expérience..." Identifying Hognon as someone who has charted numerous promotions throughout his career, Chorley emphasized the need for new leadership and the unique challenges VAFC currently faces.
Looking forward, Hognon has his work cut out for him. The team finds itself four points clear of the relegation zone and must regroup quickly to stave off fears of another disappointing campaign. Following their last match, where they succumbed to the Mans with a score of 2-1, the outlook has grown increasingly urgent.
On the horizon, Hognon’s immediate mission is the forthcoming Cup de France match against Thionville, which, if successful, could set the tone for his time with the team. With the club anxious for momentum, Hognon's previous successful stints leading promotions could serve as motivational badges as he attempts to instill confidence and performance levels back within the squad.
While specifics on Hognon’s support staff remain undisclosed, the anticipation mounts as players and officials alike hope for positive changes to manifest soon on the pitch. With the passion of the fans and the pressure of expectations riding high, Hognon’s knowledge and experience in high-stakes situations will be invaluable.
Valenciennes FC warmly welcomes Vincent Hognon to the club, hopeful for swift improvements. The next weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal, and everyone—from club executives to devoted supporters—will be watching closely to see how the new manager rises to the occasion and works to shift the narrative surrounding VAFC this season.
