Goudet puts Le Mans first

New role
The 41-year-old has a new role at the Stade Omnisports Léon Bollée, stepping up to become general manager with his assistant, Alain Pascalou, taking over first-team duties on a temporary basis. Goudet sent a letter of resignation to chairman Henri Legarda which read: "It is in the best interests of the team that I relinquish control. There are 15 games remaining and we can stay up with a new man in charge."

Contract extension
Goudet had his contract extended last summer until 2006 as a reward for leading Le Mans into the top flight for the first time in their history. However, they have struggled this term and are only being kept off the foot of the table by Toulouse FC - the team that pipped Le Mans to last season's Ligue 2 title.