Papin appointed to lead Lens

Former France striker Jean-Pierre Papin has been appointed as RC Lens coach following Guy Roux's resignation.

Strasbourg promotion
The 43-year-old, who registered 30 goals in 54 international appearances and was Ligue 1 top scorer every season between 1987/88 and 1991/92 during his time with Olympique de Marseille, has not before coached a top-flight club. Last season he led RC Strasbourg to promotion only to be replaced by Jean-Marc Furlan, having previously been at the helm of amateur club FC Bassin d'Arcachon, also taking them up a level.

Roux aid
Roux, 68, come out of retirement to take the Lens job in the summer but resigned on Saturday admitting he had "lost impetus" with Lens in the Ligue 1 relegation zone without a win. However, the former AJ Auxerre coach has pledged to aid the transition to Papin's reign, saying: "I will try to help him the best I can. It's better if a young coach replaces me." Papin, who takes over officially on Monday, will begin his reign with the home leg of Lens’s UEFA Cup second qualifying round tie with BSC Young Boys on Thursday, the away game having been drawn 1-1 in Switzerland.