The return of the Alésiens to the National. Did you know that this club was born out of the merger of three clubs in the town, Boxing, the C.S. Cheminot and - Red Star !
From the outset in 1932 Alès was a professional club. Finishing last in their group, when the D1 was spilt into two groups, the club from the Cévennes played in D2 for one season, won their group (South) and then rejoined the top flight for two further seasons. D1 was again achieved in 1947-48 and again from 1957 to 1959. Normally found in D2, with a few brief flirtations with the elite, Alès was part of the professional football in France up to the loss of the pro status in 1997 with the descent into the CFA. A return to the National was the stated objective, achieved at the end of last season. This term got off to a bad start, losing 2-1 at home to another promoted side, Dijon.

The legendary figure at Alès will always be Pierre Pibarot who experienced every level at the club, from junior to senior with a period of coach throw in for good measure. The stadium is now named after him. He was also coach of Racing at the end of the 1950's. Famous old boys include Siatka, Topka and more recently the international Sabri Lamouchi. Not forgetting David Giraudo, at Red Star 93 from 1995 to 1999. Taking the other direction was Raphaël Vasquez. From starting out at Bauer at the age of eight, he spent twenty years at Red Star before leaving the club. Now he will be making his return with his now colleagues.

The last match between the clubs goes back to the 30th September 1995, when Red Star 93 crushed their visitors 6-0.
G. Valck