Updated 28th October 2005

CUP GLORY ? No less than 6394 clubs were on the starting grid for the Coupe de France 2006. This has been considerably reduced, and just one round remains before the smaller clubs can dream of a tie against one of the bigger second division clubs. Red Star aren't quite there, and face a huge obstacle in the form of a very determined Arménienne outfit who will be hyper motivated to put one over Red Star. They may be in the DH, one division under the Saint-Ouen club, but they could more than easily hold their own in the CFA 2. Coached by former Versailles man Thierry Bocquet, the men from Issy count the hugely experienced Eric Akoun in their squad, a man who already this season has seven goals to his credit. Ahmed Hamdani, another veteran striker who was with Red Star last season wears the colours of Arménienne this term. PROGRESS IN THE CUP RED STAR : - 4th round : Romainville : 4-0 - 5th round : Garges-les-Gonesses : 5-2 ARMENIENNE : - 3rd round : Solitaires : 4-2 - 4th round : Ville-Evry : 2-0 - 5th round : Montmorency : 7-0 A Red Star badge from the 1990s': five stars, one for each cup final victory ALSO IN THE PARIS REGION All kick offs are 2-30pm CET, except for the first one: - NOISY-LE-SEC - FC MANTOIS (Saturday 5pm CET) - LEVALLOIS - PARIS FC - L’HAY-LES-ROSES - ENTENTE SSG - UJA ALFORTVILLE - VILLEMOMBLE - ORLY - LE BLANC-MESNIL - MORANGIS-CHILLY - EVRY - SARTROUVILLE - TREMBLAY FC - VINCENNES - VIRY-CHATILLON - DRANCY - FLEURY-MEROGIS - AUBERVILLIERS - SAINTE-GENEVIEVE-DES-BOIS - CHOISY-LE-ROI - LES LILAS Assad Béhiche GAMBARDELLA Red Stars' Under 18s are in Coupe Gambardella action this weekend with a trip to Villemomble. Kick off is 3pm at the Stade Georges Pompidou in Villemomble. LES POGS. During the 1990s in France "Pogs" were the craze. Red Star produced a set so that school kids could have sets that featured Marlet, Domoraud, Mauricio, Fiatte, Boutal, Gunia … or Girard ! Red Star - Saint-Omer seen from the subs' bench OFFICIALS. Monsieur Luc Chevereau will be the man in the middle for Sundays' game against ASO Arménienne. He was the referee on that historic day in May when Red Star sealed the DH championship in beating Evry 2-0 (see photo). His assistants will be Serge Rosio and Patrick Couret. The league representative will be Daniel Neujean. Monsieur Luc Chevereau in May when Red Star beat Evry 2-0 Reevis N’Simba Nabile Yessad TOP SCORERS - 1. Benmesmoudi (Red Star) : 6 goals (43% of his clubs' total) - 2. Cuvelier (Saint-Omer) : 5 goals (50%) - 3. Doumbya (Red Star) : 4 goals (28%) - 3. Hoarau (Le Havre) : 4 goals (30%) STATS. Red Star after eights games are not only top of the league, but also have the best attack (14), and the best defence (2). HATS OFF TO.... Cambrai coach Otis N’Goma who dedicated his sides recent win over Rouen to the victims of the terrible earthquake in the Kashmir region.

Updated 25th October 2005

COUPE DE FRANCE. Ex-TF1 soccer commentator Thierry Rolland made the draw for the next round of the Coupe de France, offering Red Star a home game at Bauer against DH outfit Arménienne. Red Star managed to avoid the highest-placed club, Entente SSG (National). The game will take place on Sunday 29th October, kick off 2-20pm CET. One Red Star man in particular will be looking forwards to the tie - Davidson spent several seasons with the club of Issy. Thierry Rolland became infamous whilst commenting on a France international game against Bulgaria in 1976, in which he called Scottish referee Mr Foote a "bastard" when the aforementioned official awarded a penalty against France. Thierry Rolland (with the red ball) makes the draw IMAGE OF THE DAY It may be pouring with rain at Bauer, but the Red Star shines ! FANTASTIC. Coach Jean-Luc Girard had a huge smile on his face after Saturdays' fantastic victory at Bauer over Saint-Omer. Immensely pleased with his sides performance, above all with his re-worked defence. Jérémy Budoc gave a fine personal performance. WEEK 8 SCORES ROUND-UP - RED STAR - SAINT-OMER : 4-1 - CAMBRAI - ROUEN : 2-1 - LE HAVRE - ARRAS : 1-0 - AVION - ARMENTIERES : 0-2 - ABBEVILLE - AMIENS : 1-2 - ENTENTE SSG - EVREUX : 1-1 - OISSEL - CHANTILLY : 3-1 - VALENCIENNES - SAINT-QUENTIN : 1-4 TABLE. Red Star are the first leaders to have held on to the top spot this season. 1. RED STAR 25 pts, 2. Le Havre 24 pts, 3. Saint-Quentin 23 pts, 4. Evreux 20 pts, 5. Amiens 20 pts, 6. Armentières 19 pts, 7. Entente SSG 18 pts, 8. Abbeville 18 pts, 9. Arras 18 pts, 10. Oissel 18 pts, 11. Cambrai 18 pts, 12. Chantilly 18 pts, 13. Saint-Omer 18 pts, 14. Valenciennes 16 pts, 15. Rouen 15 pts, 16. Avion 14 pts. COMING UP. November starts with a trip to play Rouen after next weekends' Coupe de France tie. Also that day : Saint-Omer v le Havre and Saint-Quentin v Entente SSG. Note that Red Star will be without skipper Reevis N'Simba, out through suspension, for the tricky trip to Rouen. COMPARISON. After eight games last season, Red Star had 17 points (2 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats). So far this season the record is 25 pts (5 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat). WEEK-END SCORES ROUND-UP CHAMPIONNAT DE FRANCE CFA 2 : RED STAR - SAINT-OMER : 4-1 LIGUE DE PARIS COUPE NATIONALE FUTSAL : VILLA US - RED STAR : 1-5 CHAMPIONNAT ADULTES 7-A SIDE (Ladies) : NANTERRE AJSC - RED STAR : 8-2 Seniors (DHR) : RED STAR - FC MANTOIS : 0-2 Under 18s (DH) : RED STAR - MONTGERON : 1-1 DISTRICT Coupe Benjamin A: CHAMPIONNET - RED STAR : 3-5 Coupe Benjamin B : BOBIGNY - RED STAR : 3-3 Coupe Benjamin Espoirs : LE BLANC-MESNIL - RED STAR : 2-5 Coupe Benjamin Espoirs : RED STAR - AULNAY CSL : 2-0 Coupe Poussins A : RED STAR - VILLETANEUSE : 1-3 Coupe Poussins B : RED STAR - STADE DE L’EST : 6-2 Coupe Poussins Espoirs : RED STAR - VAUJOURS : 15-1 Coupe Poussins Espoirs : RED STAR - TREMBLAY : 1-4 VISITOR TO BAUER Former Red Star academy coach Patrice Lecornu (center) THREE OLD BOYS. Three former Red Star men, currently with Paris FC were present at Bauer on Saturday evening : Fabien Valéri, Stéphane Lucas and Jimmy Hamme. Stéphane Lucas, Karim Bouamrane, Jimmy Hamme, and Fabien Valéri A TRIP TO THE DENTIST. Victim of an elbowing incident, Red Stars' two-goal hero Azzedine Benmesmoudi came away from Saturdays' game minus one tooth. But for the likeable striker, good news is that he is now the divisions' top scorer with six. Teammate Lassana Doumbya is not far behind with four goals to his credit. Azzedine Benmesmoudi CHARLES DAVIDSON. Red Stars' midfielder was finally given the all-clear to play against Saint-Omer, following an administrative mix-up at the FFF. Davidson prepares to enter the fray Grégori Sinobad Taïeb Abdallah in action. Behind are the new advertisements for Paprec, the Seine-Saint-Denis Council and Debuschère, which is the company owned by Red Stars' president Bruno Davoine An excellent game for the referee and his two assistants Vincent Fourneuf pictured with Karim Bouamrane and Bruno Davoine, hopes to be back in action after the Rouen game. Lassana Doumbya, with your editorial team The ball boys. During the downpour, they, along with their coaches and AllezRedStar.coms' photographer were forced to take refuge in the Bauer stand.

Updated 20th October 2005

INJURY NEWS. Vincent Fourneuf after tests on his injured knee is now wearing a supprort on his leg and will be out for at least a month, maybe even as much as six weeks. Ludovic Pages is back in light training and hopes to be back in reckoning for a place in the defence, maybe for the Coupe de France tie in ten days time. More good news is that Franck Gueï has recovered fully after his operation and hopes to back in action soon with the reserves. Azzedine Benmesmoudi is fully rested after knee pains last weekend. NABILE YESSADS' GOAL IN PHOTOS. Red Stars' amiable defender popped up to score Red Stars' second goal at Garges last weekend in the cup. Nabile Yessad congratulated by his team mates ALSO THIS WEEK-END CHAMPIONNAT DE FRANCE CFA 2 : RED STAR - SAINT-OMER LIGUE DE PARIS COUPE NATIONALE FUTSAL : VILLA US - RED STAR (Friday Oct 21st in Romainville, gymnase Jean Guimier at 8-45pm) CHAMPIONNAT ADULTES A 7 (Ladies) : NANTERRE AJSC - RED STAR Seniors (DHR) : RED STAR - FC MANTOIS Under 18s(DH) : RED STAR - MONTGERON DISTRICT Coupe Benjamin A: CHAMPIONNET RED STAR Coupe Benjamin B : BOBIGNY - RED STAR Coupe Benjamin Espoirs : LE BLANC-MESNIL - RED STAR Coupe Benjamin Espoirs : RED STAR - AULNAY CSL Coupe Poussins A : RED STAR - VILLETANEUSE Coupe Poussins B : RED STAR - STADE DE L’EST Coupe Poussins Espoirs : RED STAR - VAUJOURS Coupe Poussins Espoirs : RED STAR - TREMBLAY LASSANA DOUMBYAS SECOND GOAL PHOTOS. Beautifully set up by popular midfielder Mohamed Aklouche          LADIES. On Saturday at Joliot-Curie Red Stars' ladies won their first competitive match without a ball being kicked as their opponents on the day failed to turn up for the game. Next game is a trip to Nanterre on Saturday.

Updated 18th October 2005

FINED AND WARNED Red Star have been severly repreimanded by the footballing authorities following the incidents during the Armentières game when two nob heads invaded the pitch or at least tried to. The club have been fined and warned that any future incidents could result in points being deducted and games played behind closed doors. VINCENT FOURNEUF. After the cup tie Vincent went to hospital where a twisted knee was diagnosed. Today Vincent will visit Red Stars' regular doctor, Dr Cascua for further tests and to determine the possible period of absence. Whatever the diagnostic, Vince is sure to miss Saturdays' visit of Saint-Omer. LEFT IN THE CUP. Red Star are sure to draw one of the following Paris region clubs in the next round of the cup: PARIS : Paris FC (CFA) ESSONNE : Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois (CFA), Viry-Châtillon (CFA 2), Evry, Morangis (DH), Fleury-Mérogis (DHR) HAUTS-DE-SEINE : Levallois (CFA 2), Arménienne (DH) SEINE-SAINT-DENIS : Noisy-le-Sec, Villemomble (CFA), Les Lilas (CFA 2), Aubervilliers (DH), Le Blanc-Mesnil, JA Drancy (DSR), Tremblay (DHR) VAL-DE-MARNE : Orly, Choisy-le-Roi (DH), Vincennes, UJ Alfortville (DSR), L’Hay-les-Roses (PH) VAL D’OISE : Entente SSG (National) YVELINES : FC Mantes (CFA), Sartrouville (1st division district) Sartrouville are the "minnows". The draw takes place next Monday evening. REEVIS N’SIMBAS' GOAL ON SUNDAY IN IMAGES.          RED STAR GO TOP IN FUTSAL. For their first season playing Futsal indoor football, Red Star sit proudly on top of the table after three games: 1. Red Star 12 pts, 2. Bajo Star 12 pts, 3. Bobigny 8 pts, 4. Audonien 8 pts, 5. Debain 8 pts, 6. Drancy 7 pts, 8. Tremblay 6 pts, 8. Montreuil 4 pts, 9. Aubervilliers 3 pts, 10. Sarcelles 2 pts, 11. Courtry 2 pts, 12. Villa US 2 pts. UNDER 14s LOSE. Red Stars' youngsters slumped 4-3 at Valenciennes. Next game, PSG at home. The table: 1. Paris SG 18 pts, 2. Lens 17 pts, 3. Racing 17 pts, 4. Lille 15 pts, 5. Le Bourget 12 pts, 6. Wasquehal 12 pts, 7. Ivry 11 pts, 8. Red Star 11 pts, 9. Valenciennes 9 pts, 10. Avion 9 pts, 11. Calais 7 pts, 12. Dunkerque 6 pts. WEEKEND SCORES COUPE DE FRANCE (Round 5) GARGES-LES-GONESSES - RED STAR : 2-5 COUPE GAMBARDELLA (Round 3) RED STAR - LE MEE SPORTS : 3-0 CHAMPIONNAT FEDERAL Under 14s : VALENCIENNES - RED STAR : 4-3 LIGUE DE PARIS FUTSAL : RED STAR - AUBERVILLIERS : 13-3 CHAMPIONNAT ADULTES FOOT A 7 : RED STAR - ES PARISIENNES : 1-0 COUPE LIGUE (Under 18s) : RED STAR (2) - MONTROUGE : 2-2 ((4-5 pens.) COUPE LIGUE (Under 18s) : LES LILAS - RED STAR (3) : 3-0 COUPE LIGUE (Under 13s) : MOISSY-CRAMAYEL - RED STAR (2) : 1-1 (3-4 pens.) DISTRICT COUPE SEINE-SAINT-DENIS (Under 13s) : RED STAR (3) - LA COURNEUVIENNE : 2-1 COUPE SEINE-SAINT-DENIS (Under 13s) : CHAMPIONNET - RED STAR (4) : 11-0 (oups again) TALENTS CRITERIUM : RED STAR - NEUILLY-PLAISANCE : 4-2 CRITERIUM BENJAMINS : RED STAR - ACBB : 2-2

Updated 17th October 2005

RED STAR THROUGH, BUT AT A PRICE. Red Star progress through to the sixth round of the Coupe de France, but Jean-Luc Girard is left with a defence devastated by injuries and suspensions. The biggest worry is about key defender Vincent Fourneuf who limped out of the action yesterday, moments after conceding a second half penalty against Garges. Add to this the suspensions next weekend of Kaba Diomande, Abrahim Tounkara and the injury to Ludovic Pages, Girard has only the bare bones of a defence. Davidson Charles is also suspended, apparently the Coupe de France games do not count in suspensions. Coach Girard was less than happy with the display today, admitting that his charges did not give a performance that reflected that Red Star are CFA 2 leaders. For his part, the Garges coach was also disappointed that his team did not have the belief in themselves that they could win the tie. Red Star had taken an early lead when Lassana Doumbya pounced on the rebound after Abdallahs' shot had only been half saved. Garges were level seventeen minutes later as Vieville rose at a corner to put an end to Yann Bells' invincibility in goals that goes back to the game at Bauer against Oissel. Four minutes later and Red Star went back in front with Nabile Yessads' first goal of the season. With fifteen minutes remaining Reevis N'Simba appeared to have put the game beyond Garges' reach with a third only for Tuna to pull one back from the penalty spot. Vincent Fourneuf limped from the action, the youngster Assad Béhiche taking his place. Doumbya added his second goal moments later and deep into stoppage time Alhadji Baldé earned a spot kick which he duly dispatched himself. Founeuf will now have to undergo tests today to determine the seriousness and the duration of his injury. Elsewhere, combative midfielder Grégori Sinobad was limping at the end of the game with a deadleg. THE TWO TEAMS. GARGES FCM (they lined up as : Sekyere, Labady, Labady H, Sera, Vieville, Benhamma H, Iglesias, Macin, Asare, Tuna, Traore RED STAR FC 93 Back : Bell, Baldé, Doumbya, Yessad, Tounkara, Diomande Front : Abdallah, N’Simba, Fourneuf, Aklouche, Sinobad Yann Bell, despite the two goals conceded was magnificent again yesterday - one of the saves he made was recorded by our cameras : watch. TEAM NEWS Bilal Hammami, who missed the trip last week to Arras through injury was back in the sqaud, and came on as a second half substitute for Abrahim Tounkara. Azzedine Benmesmoudi was rested so as not to agravate a small inury, and Mohamed Aklouche started the game, setting up the fourth goal for Lassana Doumbya. Mohamed Aklouche Red Star bench IN THE STANDS. Samir Sahridj whose carreer was very nearly shattered by a sickening tackle at Aubervilliers on the 22nd March 2003 in the CFA 2 was a spectator at Garges on Sunday. Samir has finally put his boots back on... with Red Star. Back in training two weeks ago, Samir hopes to win a place with the reserves, before possibly making a remarkable return to the first XI. Also watching was Philippe Cuervo, who rarely misses a game, and Aboubacar Tandia. Two scorers : Vieville & Doumbya ELSEWHERE. Red Stars' under 14s lost 3-4 at Valenciennes but the under 18s march on in the Coupe Gambardella with a fine 3-0 win over Le Mée Sports. More results tomorrow. ALSO BACK IN THE FOLD. Alex, back in Paris recovering from a recent operation was in the stands to see his beloved Red Star advance in the Coupe de France. Alex & Laurent at Garges yesterday

Updated 13th October 2005

ONE WAY OF WATCHING THE MATCH WITHOUT PAYING Arras v Red Star last Saturday ALSO THIS WEEK-END COUPE DE FRANCE (Round 5) GARGES-LES-GONESSES - RED STAR, Sunday 16th October, 3pm CET, Stade Pierre de Coubertin, rue Joliot-Curie, Garges (95) COUPE GAMBARDELLA (Round 3) RED STAR - LE MEE SPORTS, Sunday, 3-30pm CET, Parc des Sports, Bobigny CHAMPIONNAT FEDERAL Under 14s : VALENCIENNES - RED STAR LIGUE DE PARIS FUTSAL : RED STAR - AUBERVILLIERS CHAMPIONNAT ADULTES FOOT A 7 : RED STAR - ES PARISIENNES COUPE LIGUE (Under 18s) : RED STAR (2) - MONTROUGE COUPE LIGUE (Under 18s) : LES LILAS - RED STAR (3) COUPE LIGUE (Under 13s) : MOISSY-CRAMAYEL - RED STAR (2) DISTRICT COUPE SEINE-SAINT-DENIS (Under 13s) : RED STAR (3) - LA COURNEUVIENNE COUPE SEINE-SAINT-DENIS (Under 13s) : CHAMPIONNET - RED STAR (4) TALENTS CRITERIUM : RED STAR - NEUILLY-PLAISANCE CRITERIUM BENJAMINS : RED STAR - ACBB DEBUT. The newly-formed Red Star FC 93 Ladies team kick off their championship campaign with a game against ES Parisienne. Red Star Ladies REFEREES. Xavier Tian will be the Coupe de France official, assisted by Carlos Gouveia & Serge Krief. UNDER 14S. Red Stars' under 14s are back in the North again with a trip to Valenciennes on Sunday. UNDER 14s LEAGUE TABLE (4 MATCHES PLAYED). 1. Racing 16 pts, 2. Paris SG 14 pts, 3. Lens 13 pts, 4. Lille 11 pts, 5. Wasquehal 11 pts, 6. Ivry 10 pts, 7. Le Bourget 10 pts, 8. Red Star 10 pts, 9. Valenciennes 5 pts, 10. Dunkerque 5 pts, 11. Calais 5 pts, 12. Avion 5 pts

Updated 12th October 2005

SUSPENDED. For the next league game on the 22nd, defender Kaba Diomande will be absent though suspension after picking up three bookings. Azzedine Benmesmoudi and Abrahim Tounkara will miss the Coupe de France tie on Sunday at Garges, but speedy winger Davidson Charles will be back in the reckoning for a place after having served his two-match ban. In the sick bay, the good news is that veteran Philippe Cuervo is making steady progress on the road to recovery, he is now walking without the aid of crutches and in two weeks time the plaster will be off. Meanwhile ace defender Bilal Hammami who missed the Oissel game after injuring himself when returning from another injury too soon pulled up in training just before the Arras trip. We wish all the injured a speedy recovery. SHIRT. For the moment, the official Red Star FC 93 replica shirt 2005-2006 with the name of the sponsor on is not on sale, but hopefully will soon be. REEVIS NSIMBA. Captain Reevis N’Simba received a head injury during a clash in the game on Saturday at Arras. Forced to leave the pitch, Reeves has suffered no ill-effects from the injury apart from a headache the next day. Incidentally, the Arras player involved in the accident, Lamine Diarra, as well as other players and directors of Arras took the trouble to contact Red Star for news on the injury. A sympathetic touch. Reevis N’Simba tussles with Rodrigue Dikaba Vincent Fourneuf scores against Arras, Kaba Diomande, Abrahim Tounkara & Reevis N’Simba celebrate. Vincent is now Red Stars' scond top scorer with two goals. Nabile Yessad Yann Bell warms up aided by Mustapha Gassama Young Arras supporters; Red Star in town attracted much interest amongst the locals STADE MARVILLE. For many, Stade Marville brings back bad memories of a grim period in Red Stars' history. Like it or loath it, however, the main and surrounding pitches are excellent playing surfaces, and Red Stars' youngsters still play their home games there. Four photos from Sundays' under 14s game against Wasquehal, which Red Star lost 1-0. Red Stars' under 14s attract more interest on the annex pitch than CAP v Choisy-le-Roi in the DH in the main stadium Half time - the scoreboard remains blank ! Fifty-odd spectators for the DH game. Compare this with when Red Star played PFC in a DH game in 2004. Two spectators in the stand opposite, capable of holding 4000. ALEX. Red Star fan Alex, currently exiled in Toulouse has been hospitalised recently. The site and all at Red Star wish him a speedy recovery. Alex (right) pictured after the the Dulwich game, March 2005 WEEKEND SCORES ROUND-UP CHAMPIONNAT DE FRANCE CFA 2 : ARRAS - RED STAR : 0-3 CHAMPIONNAT FEDERAL Under 14s : RED STAR - WASQUEHAL : 0-1 LIGUE DE PARIS FUTSAL (Series 3) : COURTRY - RED STAR : 5-12 SENIORS (DHR) : LA COLOMBIENNE - RED STAR : 1-3 Under 18s (DH) : ACBB - RED STAR : 1-1 Under 18s (PH) : RED STAR - VILLETANEUSE : 2-3 Under 15s (DSR) : RED STAR - CRETEIL : 1-0 Under 15s (PH) : LEVALLOIS - RED STAR : 2-4 DISTRICT Under 18s (Excellence) : MONTREUIL - RED STAR : 2-1 BENJAMIN (Critérium régional) : RED STAR - COURBEVOIE : 3-1 BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 1 - RED STAR 1 : 2-3 BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 2 - RED STAR 2 : 2-2 BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 3 - RED STAR 3 : 5-1 BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 4 - RED STAR 4 : 2-7 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 1 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 1 : 1-6 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 2 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 2 : 12-2 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 3 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 3 : 3-0 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 4 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 4 : postponed No game for the Under 13s reserves, so no goals conceded this week !

Updated 10th October 2005

DOUMBYA ON TARGET AS RED STAR GO BACK TOP. A storming performance by Red Star on Saturday evening combined with the defeat of Le Havre at Armentières sent Jean-Luc Girards' men back to the top of their group of the CFA 2. Vincent Fourneuf set the ball rolling with a mighty piledriver from the edge of the penalty area early in the game, the inevitable Azzedine Benmesmoudi calmed Red Stars' nerves with a second minutes later and the icing on the cake was provided by Lassana Doumbya on the hour with a fine individual goal, showing real quality and coolness in his finishing. Doumbya hopefully now can silence his critics after three goals in two games. Vincent Fourneuf lets fly and Red Star are one-nil in front Naturally coach Jean-Luc Girard was pleased the the performance and another clean sheet. This time, as opposed to the game at bauer a couple of weeks ago, Red Star showed a killer instinct in front of goal to put the game beyond the reach of their opponents. "Boubou" in the bus on the way to Arras Taïeb Abdallah goes close On the way back from Arras, Vincent Fourneuf, Abrahim Tounkara, Alhaji Baldé, Nabile Yessad and Yann Bell    Yann Bell, Lalim Boukada & Taïeb Abdallah. Aboubacar Tandia, visitor at Arras on Saturday, right THE SCORES. Evreux - Valenciennes 2-1, Saint-Quentin - Abbeville 1-0, Amiens - Chantilly 2-1, Avion - Oissel 0-0, Saint-Omer - Cambrai 2-1, Armentières - Le Havre 3-1, Rouen - Entente SSG 1-1, Arras - Red Star 0-3. LEAGUE TABLE. 1. RED STAR 21 pts, 2. Le Havre 20 pts, 3. Saint-Quentin 19 pts, 4. Evreux 18 pts, 5. Arras 17 pts, 6. Abbeville 17 pts, 7. Chantilly 17 pts, 8. Saint-Omer 17 pts, 9. Entente SSG 16 pts, 10. Amiens 16 pts, 11. Valenciennes 15 pts, 12. Armentières 15 pts, 13. Rouen 14 pts, 14. Cambrai 14 pts, 15. Oissel 14 pts, 16. Avion 13 pts ELSEWHERE. Unable to capitalise on some good chances, Red Stars' under 14s lost 1-0 at Marville yesaterday to Wasquehal. Meanwhile Red Stars' reserves earned a well-deseved 3-1 at La Colombienne with two goals from Jérémy Budoc and another from ex-Colombienne player Morad Eythrib. Bravo ! Red Stars' under 14s in action Messrs Aklouche, Chamma and Budoc, present in the first XI Saturday and also with the reserves Sunday

Updated 7th October 2005

WATCH OUT, TAPIE ABOUT !. One-time Olympique de Marseille president Bernard Tapie is in the news again, thanks to a court battle that has seen him awarded 135 million euros in damages from the bank Crédit Lyonnais. Tapie, businessman, politician and some-time actor has been quoted in Le Parisien as wanting to return to football and his aim is to create a second big club in Paris. The idea would be to take a L2 or National club and once promotion to the L2 achieved, use the Stade de France. Créteil and Entente Sannois-Saint-Gratien are the obvious choices, but ominously, Tapie talks of a merger with Red Star in order to profit from the Saint-Ouen clubs' stadium and history (and no doubt the fan base). Already Red Stars' fans have been provoked into responding to this new potential menace to their club. Tapie won the European Cup in 1993 with Marseille and brought names such as Waddle, Papin, Boli and Voller to the club. However his reign at the club ended in disgrace as he was implicated in the the affair OM-VA, where Marseille were guilty of trying to bribe Valenciennes' players into throwing the game between the two clubs so that OM would be champions. As a businessman, Tapie has a bad name in Saint-Ouen, as he was the owner of the old "Wonder" battery factory which closed with the loss of many jobs Red Stars' president Bruno Davoine, when contacted, was said to be "suspicious" should M. Tapie get in touch. However, what appears to be a golden windfall for Tapie would be countered by the claims from his debtors who naturally would want their share of his gains. It has been reported that Tapie owes his debtors 800 million and the taxman 150. We'll keep you informed of developments, but with a bit of luck this is just a storm in a teacup. JH

Updated 6th October 2005

THIS WEEKEND. Red Star travel north to Arras, a town with a special place in the history of Red Star. On the 11th of May 1981, Red Star beat Arras 3-0 in the last match of the season to gain promotion to the old third division. Laurent (28 minutes), Blanson (49) and Massard (72 - his 20th league goal of the season) were the goalscorers that day. The hundred or so miles trip back to Paris was a memorable one, and the players celebrated with a meal on the Champs-Elysées, which that day was invaded by tens of thousands of people - not for Red Stars' promotion, unfortunately, but the celebrate the election of the socialist François Mitterand as president of the Republic. Red Star supporters in 1981 pictured in front of the famous belfry in Arras Claude Chazottes & the supporters give coach Georges Eo a shoulder ride after the victory in Arras in 1981 Fans & players at the end of the game ALSO IN THE CFA 2 THIS WEEKEND. Le Havre, leaders travel to Armentières (15th); Saint-Quentin (6th) - Abbeville (4th), Amiens (14th) - Chantilly (5th); Entente SSG (7th), who as a club are currently experiencing one or two problems on and off the pitch travel to Rouen (12th) on Sunday. Elsewhere: Saint-Omer (10th) are at home to Cambrai (11th) and Avion (16th) play Oissel (13th). Red Stars' game at Arras will be officiated by Olivier Joberty, 35, from the Ligue de Champagne-Ardennes assisted by Nicolas Seillier & Olivier Willequet INJURY NEWS. Philippe Cuervo is still in plaster, whilst Franck Gueï is back in light training following an operation. Meanwhile Ludovic Pagés has joined the "sick list". Ludovic Pagés in reserve action against Cosmo THIS WEEK-END CHAMPIONNAT DE FRANCE CFA 2 : ARRAS - RED STAR CHAMPIONNAT FEDERAL Under 14s : RED STAR - WASQUEHAL, Dimanche 9 octobre à 15 h à Marville (La Courneuve) LIGUE DE PARIS FUTSAL ( round 3) : COURTRY - RED STAR this evening SENIORS (DHR) : LA COLOMBIENNE - RED STAR Under 18s (DH) : ACBB - RED STAR Under 18s (PH) : RED STAR - VILLETANEUSE Under 15s (DSR) : RED STAR - CRETEIL Under 15s (PH) : LEVALLOIS - RED STAR DISTRICT Under 18s (Excellence) : MONTREUIL - RED STAR Under 15s (2nd division) : RED STAR - BOBIGNY BENJAMIN (Critérium régional) : RED STAR - COURBEVOIE BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 1 - RED STAR 1 BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 2 - RED STAR 2 BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 3 - RED STAR 3 BENJAMIN (Critérium) : LA COURNEUVIENNE 4 - RED STAR 4 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 1 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 1 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 2 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 2 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 3 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 3 POUSSINS (Critérium) : RED STAR 4 - LA COURNEUVIENNE 4 Philippe Huet (right), Red Star FC 93s' School of Football supremo

Updated 5th October 2005

COUPE DE FRANCE - THE HITCH HIKERS' GUIDE. One of our visitors asked the question how does the draw for the Coupe de France work. Well, as with most French bureaucracy, it's a tad complex but briefly this is how it works: There are eight qualifying rounds. The smaller clubs enter from the first round, up to the DSR level. The draw is regionalised by local Ligues (Ligue de Paris, Ligue de Normandie etc etc..) So at this stage clubs don't have very far to travel. The CFA 2 & CFA clubs enter from the third round onwards. Red Star had a bye this season so they entered from the fourth round. The draw is still regionalised but "seeded" in a way so that the CFA & CFA 2 clubs avoid each other more or less. In the fifth round the National Clubs enter. So Red Star might possibly get drawn against Paris' representant at this level, Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien. In the seventh round the L2 clubs enter, the draw is still regionalised. Red Star could get Créteil. One more round, the eigth, then the L1 clubs arrive in the 1/32 finals, the last 64 teams. The draw is made in groups for this round, but for the 1/16th finals, the last 32 clubs, the draw is open. Then comes the 1/8 finals (last 16), the 1/4 finals, semis and the final at Saint-Denis, the Stade de France. Unlike the UK, the semi-finals are not played at a neutral venue. There are no replays; all games are decided on one match, if the scores are level after normal time extra time of two periods of fifteen minutes are played, and if there still is no winner then the game goes to penalties. Red Star have won the competition five times, including three times in succession in the 1920s. The last victory dates back to 1941, the last appearance in the final 1946 when they lost to Lille.

Updated 4th October 2005

COUPE DE FRANCE. The draw for the next round takes place on Monday 10th October at the HQ of the Ligue de Paris. Entente SSG, National club will be included in thedraw. The Paris region is represented bu forty-eight clubs incldung a quarter from the Seine-Saint-Denis region. The Seine-Saint-Denis clubs are : - CFA : Noisy-le-Sec, Villemomble - CFA 2 : Les Lilas, Red Star FC 93 - DH : Aubervilliers, Saint-Denis US - DSR : Le Blanc-Mesnil, Drancy - DHR : Tremblay - PH : Noisy-le-Grand - Excellence : Rosny-sous-Bois, Epinay-sur-Seine Sartrouville, Val d’Argenteuil, Montmorency are the "minnows" left in the competition. GOAL. Lassana Doumbyas' second goal against Romainville in six photos.          WEEK-END SCORES ROUND-UP COUPE DE FRANCE RED STAR - ROMAINVILLE : 4-0 COUPE GAMBARDELLA COURBEVOIE - RED STAR : 1-2 CHAMPIONNAT FEDERAL LILLE - RED STAR : 3-4 LIGUE DE PARIS FUTSAL : RED STAR - VILLA US : 8-2 Under 15s (Coupe Ligue) : CHATOU - RED STAR 1 : 0-9 Under 15s (Coupe Ligue) : RED STAR 2 - LUSITANOS : 1-1 (2-3 pens.) Under 15s (Coupe Ligue) : RED STAR 3 - STAINS : 2-2 (4-3 pens.) Under 13s (DH) : RED STAR - TORCY : 1-1 Under 13s (DHR) : RACING - RED STAR : 15 -0 DISTRICT Under 13s (1st division) : RED STAR - LE BLANC-MESNIL : 0-3 Under 13s (3rd division) : COSMOS - RED STAR : 2-1 Benjamins (critérium régional) : RED STAR - PUC : 6-1 Benjamins (critérium) : LE BOURGET 1 - RED STAR 1 : 8-0 Benjamins (critérium) : LE BOURGET 2 - RED STAR 2 : 1-4 Benjamins (critérium) : LE BOURGET 3 - RED STAR 3 : 0-2 Benjamins (critérium) : LE BOURGET 4 - RED STAR 4 : 3-0 Poussins (critérium) : RED STAR 1 - SOLITAIRES FC 1 : 1-6 Poussins (critérium) : RED STAR 2 - SOLITAIRES FC 2 : 7-1 Poussins (critérium) : RED STAR 3 - SOLITAIRES FC 3 : 1-1 Poussins (critérium) : RED STAR 4 - SOLITAIRES FC 4 : 2-2 We'll have to organise a trip to see the Under 13s reserves - that makes forty-two goals conceded in three games - they need every ounce of encouragement they can get !

Updated 3rd October 2005

CUP SUCCESS. Red Star progressed through to the next round of the Coupe de France disposing of plucky neighbours Romainville 4-0. In a game they never looked like losing, goals from Vincent Fourneuf (penalty), Azzedine Benmesmoudi and a brace from burly striker Lassana Doumbya sealed the win. Coach Jean-Luc Girard was pleased with the performance, and relieved that the contest had taken place on the grass at Bauer rather than the cramped artificial surface of Romainville. Fourteen players were selected and all made an appearance during the game. Nabile Yessad was back from suspension and came on as a sub. Azzedine Benmesmoudi and Ibrahim Tounkara picked up bookings taking their tally to three for the season, which means an automatic one-game suspension but the good news is that this will apply to the Coupe de France game in two weeks time, and they will be available for next Saturdays' difficult trip to Arras. Elsewhere Davidson Charles will miss the trip to Arras, having picked up a two-match ban. PHOTOS FROM YESTERDAYS' GAME The local press man is on hand to record an airborne duel with Red Stars' Benmesmoudi (left) Red Star pressure with N’Simba, Doumbya (9), Abdallah (8) & Chamma (10) Lassana Doumbya outsprints Romainvilles' captain Rachid Adane Alhaji Baldé & Nabile Yessad Coach Cherif Belhoud (back row, right)with his valiant Romainville team COUPE GAMBARDELLA. Red Stars' under 18s progressed in the Coupe Gambradella with a 2-1 win over Courbevoie. BRILLIANT. Red Stars' under 14s pulled off a remarkable exploit in beating Lille 4-3 on their travels. More scores tomorrow.

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