Sochaux hand Hantz his cards

FC Sochaux-Montbéliard have dismissed coach Frédéric Hantz after a series of poor results left the French Cup holders second from bottom of Ligue 1.

Temporary appointment
The 41-year-old Hantz joined Sochaux last summer after a successful spell at Le Mans UC 72. Assistant coach Jean-Luc Ruty will now take the reins until the winter break, between 23 December and 5 January, as the club seek a permanent replacement. Sochaux are the third French side to change coach this season following Olympique de Marseille, who brought in Erik Gerets to replace Albert Emon, and RC Lens, where Jean-Pierre Papin replaced Guy Roux. Sochaux bowed out of the UEFA Cup in the first round with a defeat against Panionios GSS.