Jean-Yves Tierce returns to the presidency of the Sainte-Maxime football club

Rumors have been circulating persistently in recent weeks, and it's now official: Jean-Yves Tierce will be the new president of AS Maximoise (ASM). The former businessman is making a comeback after serving as president of the Sainte-Maxime football club from 2012 to 2017, a period during which ASM shone, both at the senior and youth levels.

He succeeds Olivier Bader, who resigned for various reasons [Read on the Sports page]. We met Jean-Yves Tierce midweek and explained his reasons.

Why this return to ASM?

First of all, I have a history with this club, with which I have experienced many wonderful hours and good times. I am returning to ASM because, on the one hand, I was asked, and also because I am in what I would call a second life. I wanted to invest myself in something, I took the time to think about it and I agreed to return to the presidency.

The club is not doing very well, has that not slowed you down?

Before giving the green light, I consulted with many people at the club. ASM is indeed not doing very well and it will need a major boost, both among the youth and senior teams.

You will need to surround yourself with people for this?

I should point out that I'm returning with Joaquim Pires, who will be vice-president. There's already a good little management team in place that will need to be expanded. ASM especially needs a conductor, and I'm going to get to work on that.

What will be your first actions?

We're not going to rush into anything. We're going to reorganize what already exists; it's important to put people in the positions where they perform best. I'll soon be appointing a youth section manager, and we also need to recruit educators.

In the senior team, we are working on finding a new coach for the first team and the reserve team.

The financial situation is not very good at the moment...

There is a liability, the amount of which I will not disclose. I can assure you that the club is not in danger. I am already taking this opportunity to launch an appeal to generous sponsors who would like to join us.

How to breathe new energy?

I will use my five years as president to revitalize the club.

It is essential to me that all youth categories are represented, while also strengthening the future management team. I didn't come back to string beads; there will be a lot of work to be done, and I'm ready for the challenge!