Reims dreaming of glory years

Worrying decline
Since claiming the last of their six league titles in 1962, Reims have been in steady decline, moving between France's top two divisions before slumping to an unprecedented low in 1992 when they became an amateur club after going into liquidation. Still playing in the famous red-and-white jerseys that once enchanted a nation, the club from France's Champagne region have clambered back up to Ligue 2, but their current fight against relegation is a far cry from the early years.

Rave reviews
Founded in 1931, Reims clinched their first league title in 1949 and were soon earning rave reviews with their audacious, attacking style. The captain Robert Jonquet was a fundamental part of the initial success, as was winger Albert Batteux, although his role became more significant still when he was appointed coach in 1950.

Total football
Batteux stimulated his players with innovative methods and encouraged them to play with total freedom. "They displayed extraordinary style and verve," said former Reims striker Georges Lech. "Jonquet would do these chest controls in his own area, then set up counterattacks with clever flicks. That is what 'le jeu à la rémoise' was all about." Defender Simon Zimny added: "At one time Raymond Kopa was being berated for dribbling too much but Bébert [Batteux] told him to ignore the critics and dribble even more because he knew that was Kopa's strength."

European trophy
A second title followed in 1953 and was accompanied by Reims' first international triumph against AC Milan in the Latin Cup. The team grew stronger as more talent arrived through the extensive scouting network established by sports director Pierre Perchat. "Everybody wanted to join Reims because they'd become the team of France," Zimni said. "We played our European games in the capital and the whole country was behind us." Armand Penverne, Jean Vincent, Roger Piantoni and Just Fontaine were among the acquisitions, and Reims provided the core of the France side that finished third at 1958 FIFA World Cup.

Star names
Les Rouge et Blanc lost to Madrid for a second time in the 1959 Champion Clubs' Cup final, but they would never get so close to the summit again. As results began to falter Reims failed to adjust, continuing to rely on a policy of signing star names rather than planning for the long term. The youth academy set up by Batteux, who had used his own players to coach the local kids, was left to perish, and a series of failed signings put the club in a precarious financial state.

Instant results
In many ways Reims were paying a price for their early achievements. Successive presidents vowed to return the club to its former position but failed to lay the necessary foundations. "When Serge Bazelaire became president in 1977 he wanted so much so quickly," said Zimni. "He set his sights too high and the situation worsened." Reims have not played in the top flight since 1979, but even today their fans are among the most demanding in France. "They're impossible to satisfy," claimed Lech. "They want to see fast one-touch football and back-heels because they still remember the days when Kopa used to dribble round six players."

Bright future?
But like most football romanticists, Lech remains hopeful that Reims will sparkle again. "I'd love Reims to reach the level they were at in 1958," he said. "They have a fantastic tradition and maybe one day they'll create another team worthy of the club's great name."