ES Troyes AC

Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne (commonly known as Troyes AC or simply Troyes), is a French professional football club based in Troyes, the capital of the Aube department in the Champagne region. Founded in 1986, Troyes AC has quickly established itself as a prominent team in French football, currently competing in Ligue 2, the second tier of the French football league system. Despite being a relatively young club compared to some other French sides, Troyes AC has built a strong reputation with a rich history of promotion and success.

Stade de l’Aube: The Heart of Troyes Football

• Stadium: Stade de l’Aube
• Capacity: 20,400 seats
• Location: Troyes, Champagne-Ardenne
• Opened: 1968

Troyes AC plays its home matches at the Stade de l’Aube, a modern stadium that serves as the focal point of the club’s passionate fanbase. The stadium’s atmosphere is electric during matchdays, with local supporters creating an intense and vibrant environment for their team. The Stade de l’Aube has hosted several important matches, including those in Ligue 1 and international competitions.

Club Identity & Playing Style

• Nickname: Les Troyens (The Trojans)
• Club Colors: Blue and white
• Playing Style: Known for a combination of technical play and tactical discipline, Troyes AC focuses on solid defensive organization and quick counter-attacks, often using possession-based football to control games.
• Community Connection: The club enjoys strong support in Troyes and the surrounding region, with its identity deeply tied to the Champagne area and local culture.

Historic Moments & Achievements

• Founded: 1986, though the city’s footballing history extends back further with previous clubs such as AS Troyes-Savinienne and Troyes AF.
• Ligue 1 Appearances: Troyes AC has spent several seasons in Ligue 1, France’s top division, and enjoyed some notable seasons in the 21st century, showcasing the club’s resilience at the highest level of French football.
• Promotion to Ligue 1: The club has experienced multiple promotions to Ligue 1, with notable returns to the top flight, most recently in 2021, as Troyes AC gained promotion after a strong season in Ligue 2.
• Coupe de la Ligue: One of the club’s most significant achievements came in the Coupe de la Ligue, where Troyes AC reached the final stages, showcasing their competitive spirit on the national stage.

Rivalries: Champagne Football Battles

• Troyes vs. Reims: The Champagne derby against Stade de Reims is one of the fiercest rivalries in the region, with both teams battling for dominance in the Champagne area, sparking intense local pride and competition.
• Troyes vs. Auxerre: Matches against AJ Auxerre also carry a great deal of historical significance and are always highly competitive, with both teams sharing a passion for football in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region.

Legendary Players & Managers

Over the years, Troyes AC has been home to several notable players who have contributed significantly to the club’s success:

• Benjamin Nivet: A club legend, Nivet spent many years at Troyes AC, becoming an instrumental figure in their promotion campaigns and achieving iconic status at the club.
• Mickaël Landreau: A goalkeeper who played at the club during its Ligue 1 days, Landreau was an important player in ensuring Troyes AC’s survival at the top level.
• Giovanni Sio: The Ivorian forward also contributed significantly to the club’s success during his time there, adding depth to their attacking options.

Managers:

• Jean-Marc Furlan: Furlan was a key figure in the club’s successful periods in Ligue 2, with his coaching style based on attacking football and tactical awareness.
• Laurent Batlles: Batlles guided Troyes AC to Ligue 1 promotion in recent years, continuing the club’s progression and stability in the French football pyramid.

The Future of Troyes AC

Troyes AC is determined to solidify its position in Ligue 2 and aim for another promotion to Ligue 1. The club is focused on:

• Youth Development: Building a strong youth academy that will nurture future stars and allow Troyes AC to develop homegrown talent.
• Stability in Ligue 2: Ensuring consistent performances in Ligue 2, building a team capable of challenging for promotion back to the top tier.
• Community Engagement: Strengthening its ties with the city and the wider Champagne region, creating a club that truly represents the local community.