Bernard Blaquart has left Nîmes and been replaced by Jérome Arpinon, his assistant.
The 62-year-old Blaquart's departure was announced in a club statement which read: "Bernard Blaquart has indelibly marked the history of Nîmes Olympique." Blaquart secured promotion to Ligue 1 for Nîmes in 2018 after a 25-year absence. The club have opted for continuity as Arpinon was Blaquart's assistant over the past four seasons.
Nîmes have been active in the transfer market and have found a replacement for Paul Bernardoni, signing goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet from Toulouse. Les Crocodiles have taken up the option to buy Yassine Benrahou.
Bernardoni had starred for Nîmes on loan from Bordeaux in the past two seasons, proving invaluable as Nîmes established themselves as a top division club. His eyecatching performances led to Angers swooping to sign him from Bordeaux for seven million euros.
To replace the France Under-21s international, Nîmes have turned to Reynet, who won three France Under-21 caps earlier in his career. 29-year-old Reynet has penned a two-year deal and has appeared in Ligue 1 172 times for Dijon, Toulouse and Lorient.
Unsurprisingly, the club seized on the option to buy in the loan deal they had with the skilful Benrahou, who joined from Bordeaux on loan in the winter transfer window.
