Lens tempt Roux out of retirement

Guy Roux, who gained legendary status as a coach during his incredible 43 years in charge of AJ Auxerre, has made a surprise comeback to top-level football by taking the RC Lens helm at the age of 68.

Auxerre honours
Roux announced his retirement in June 2005, the day after winning his fifth Coupe de France with Auxerre, whom he led from regional football to European competition as well as the domestic double in 1995/96. He has been involved with Auxerre's academy and commentating for television and radio, but has now opted to take the vacancy at Lens following Francis Gillot's resignation due to their failure to clinch a UEFA Champions League slot. No details of his contract have been annouced.

Intertoto bid
"Lens got in touch last week," Roux said. "It caused me to reflect and I decided to come back to football, though I never really quit it. I've liked Lens for a long time. I remember the warm welcome I received when I came here with Auxerre on my 60th birthday. This played a part in my decision." Among Roux's achievements at Auxerre was victory in the 1997 UEFA Intertoto Cup, and it will be in this tournament that Lens - fifth in Ligue 1 - will compete. They will start in the third round over the last two weekends of July, against opposition from Ukraine, Belarus or Armenia.