Collot took charge of Les Canaris' senior team since Christian Gourcuff was let go in early December, but now the club has a permanent replacement in the form of Raymond Domenech, who has signed on through to the end of the current campaign.

Domenech: 'Wonderful opportunity'

"I am very happy and very proud to join a legendary French club like FC Nantes. I am looking forward to working with the staff and doing everything possible to ensure that the club regain its rightful status," said Domenech in a statement on the club's official website. "I would like to especially thank Waldemar and Franck Kita for giving me this wonderful opportunity to get back on the field, starting with this magnificent derby against Rennes on 6 January. Allez Nantes!"

Domenech, a former defender, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached boyhood club Olympique Lyonnais back to France's top flight in 1989 before taking charge of France's youth set-up and then the senior team from 2004 to 2010.

Kita: 'A well thought-out choice'

This is the 68-year-old's first club coaching job since leaving OL in 1993, but Nantes president Waldemar Kita is clearly convinced that, with the collaboration of the club's existing coaching staff, Domenech can improve on the record of three wins, six draws and eight defeats that has Les Canaris in 16th place after 17 matches.

"FC Nantes is pleased to be able to count on the experience of Raymond Domenech for the rest of the 2020-21 season," declared Kita. "It is a well thought-out choice. I am convinced of the qualities that the former French national team coach, accustomed to the highest level, can bring to our club."