Ajaccio promoted to Régional 1 as Lippini rebuilds, Andy Delort commits | OneFootball

AC Ajaccio have been promoted to Régional 1, less than a year after liquidation sent them from Ligue 2 to the seventh tier, L'Équipe reports. Anthony Lippini rebuilt from scratch, helped by returning veterans and the commitment of Andy Delort, whose extension is already confirmed.

Restarting was almost aborted, the affiliation number was hours from expiring. He had 15 days to build a squad and, under post-15 July rules, could register only two licensed signings. He turned to futsal and corporate players, some had not played eleven-a-side for years.

Riad Nouri, 40, and Cédric Avinel, 39, left youth coaching to play. A core of 18 was often down to 12 at training because of injuries and day jobs such as firefighter, meat delivery and air conditioning.

After a forfeit and two postponements, Ajaccio won the league with 15 wins, three draws and two defeats. Delort, delayed by a calf issue and a regulatory hold, played 12 games and scored 14.

With only four employees, volunteers keep things moving, from a supporter driving the coach to Nouri assisting, while Lippini bought a Kangoo for kit.

Timizzolu has not belonged to the club since 2019. A €60,000 season deal with owners including ex-director Jean-Noël Fattaccioli, electricity included, grants use of the synthetic and auxiliary rooms, while the main pitch and offices stay shut.

Lippini says he receives between six and 10 CVs a day on LinkedIn and plans to sign Ludovic Guerriero, 41. The next test is choosing the right people.

Source: L'Équipe