Cassard prolongs Strasbourg stay
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Article summary
RC Strasbourg goalkeeper Stéphane Cassard has signed a new contract while midfielder Ricardo Faty faces a lay-off.
Article body
Surprise package
The 32-year-old made a big impression after arriving from unheralded ES Troyes Aube Champagne last summer. Cassard made 33 Ligue 1 appearances for the Alsatian side in 2004/05, helping them avoid relegation.
Overlooked for final
Nonetheless, there was disappointment as he was overlooked for Strasbourg's French League Cup final victory against SM Caen, coach Jacky Duguépéroux preferring on-loan Olympique Lyonnais custodian Rémy Vercoutre.
First-choice status
But with Vercoutre back at the French champions, Cassard should be Duguépéroux's No1 for the forthcoming UEFA Cup campaign, which kicks off on 15 September.
Faty blow
Meanwhile, midfielder Ricardo Faty faces five weeks out after damaging ankle ligaments in a friendly against 1. FC Nürnberg. The 18-year-old has just joined the first-team squad from the reserve set-up.
