Lens plan centenary celebrations

By Christian Châtelet

Reaching the UEFA Cup would mean something special for RC Lens as they enter their centenary year. Having returned with a goalless draw from the first leg of their UEFA Intertoto Cup semi-final against VfL Wolfsburg, they have every chance of giving their passionate supporters something to shout about in tonight's return and beyond.

Intertoto gamble
The Intertoto Cup represents something of a gamble for the club who feared the early start could have a negative impact on their league form come spring. At the moment, however, it is not looking like such a bad bet, especially given their nation's pedigree in the competition. Since 1995, ten French sides have progressed from the competition to the UEFA Cup, making France the Intertoto Cup's most successful country. In 1997, Ligue 1 teams even claimed a clean sweep of all three UEFA Cup spots up for grabs.

French success
France's success has been spread evenly, with no side winning the competition twice. Lens, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, are hoping for their maiden triumph and are keen to make the most of their opportunity. "We have the chance to play in this competition, and we have to benefit from it," said coach Francis Gillot.

Lille example
Lens's attitude towards the competition has changed since LOSC Lille-Métropole qualified for the UEFA Champions League as Ligue 1 runners-up last season, despite starting the campaign in the Intertoto Cup. Lens will feel the impact of Lille's success; Les Dogues will play their Champions League games at the Stade Bollaert because their own ground does not meet UEFA requirements. "If the family next door have no home, what can you do?" Lens president Gervais Martel said.

Martel success
Martel is one of the heavyweights of French football. He has been in charge of Lens for 17 years and is popular among fans for his frank talking and for bringing Lens their first title in 1998. Since then, the Sang et Or have invested to stay among the élite. Their state-of-the-art training centre, La Gaillette, promises much, but they have won nothing since the 1999 French League Cup. That triumph led to their most successful European campaign to date, when they reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1999/00.

'Centennial year'
Five years on, expectations are high. "I want this centennial year to leave a mark on the field," said Martel. To that end, Gillot will be relying on the "understanding that appeared between the players last season". Gillot, a former Lens defender, has seen little need to tinker with the side since replacing Joël Muller in January. "The [players] just became aware of their potential and started to transform it into victories," Gillot said.

Dindane sings
Lens's biggest summer signing is striker Aruna Dindane from RSC Anderlecht for €3m. "Lens are a big side," he said. "I asked around for advice and everybody was keen for me to go there." Lens have also made Alou Diarra's loan move from Liverpool FC permanent, signing the French international for €3m.

Bordeaux example
There would be no better way for Lens, who face a final against either FK Žalgiris Vilnius or CFR Cluj should they overcome Wolfsburg, to celebrate their 100th birthday than by repeating the exploits of FC Girondins de Bordeaux, who ten years ago used the Intertoto Cup as a springboard to reach the UEFA Cup final. Even Lille would be impressed by that.

French success in the UEFA Intertoto Cup finals