Guy Roux retires after 44 years at Auxerre

By Lulu
July 29 2005

After 44 years as trainer of AJ Auxerre, Guy Roux (66) announced directly after the victory over Sedan in the french Cupfinal that its time to end his carreer.

"Its the right moment to end it. I have thought several weeks about that" he said.
Mainly medical reasons have convinced him to resign, he allready had to take a longer break in 2000 because of his heart problems.

The born alsacian was sitting in over 2000 games on Auxerres bench. He leaded Auxerre from the 4th french division to the french championship in 1996 and won 4 french cups (1994, 1996, 2004, 2005). In 1997 they reached the quarterfinal of the Championsleague and in 1993 the semifinal of the Uefacup.

The AJ Auxerre, the club of the tiny 40`000 inhabitants city 170 km south of Paris, is mainly the product of Guy Roux work. As a 23 years old, he joined Auxerre as a "playing coach" (for £75 per month...)and leaded them til 1974 in the League 2. In 1980 they joined Ligue 1 and since then they have been a force in french football, which is astonishing considering the limited financial opportunities this little city can offer. Esp.

Roux famous work with young players (he built up an own football school in Auxerre) made this possible.