Previously head of the academy, Patrick Gabriel has stepped up to replace Jean Fernandez as the new coach of AS Nancy-Lorraine.

Fernandez left his post by mutual consent on Friday, bringing an end to his 18-month spell in charge. He left Nancy bottom of Ligue 1 with just 11 points from 19 games this season. The Chardons finished 11th last term but have won just once in 2012/13 and are eight points shy of safety.

Gabriel steps up from his previous role to take to the helm of a senior side for the first time. "It's a bit of sudden but we must cope with the situation," he said. "I've been a servant of this club for a long time."