The post of director general of AS Saint-Étienne should not remain vacant for very long. According to our information, which corroborates that of our partner Evect, Xavier Thuilot’s successor is called Jean-François Soucasse.
Aged 48, Jean-François Soucasse was, until last August, general manager of the Toulouse Football club. A position he has held for 12 years (since 2008). Right hand of president Olivier Sadran, Jean-François Soucasse even replaced him as deputy president and chief executive officer when the owner of the club wanted to take a step back. During his playing career (midfielder) he played for three seasons at AS Saint-Étienne (1995-1998).
A leader hated by supporters
A personality very little present in the media, Jean-François Soucasse has been caught in the grip of Téfécé supporters in recent seasons. Blaming him for Toulouse’s bad seasons over the past decade which led to the club’s relegation last season.
“He was the most hated man in Toulouse explains Julien Balidas, Journalist at France Bleu Occitanie. The supporters no longer wanted Jean-François Soucasse at the TFC. It was not uncommon to see “Soucasse resignation” banners on the Toulouse ring road and in the stands all weekend long. A man really hated. “
Described as a “brilliant personality“by coach Pascal Dupraz (who saved the club from relegation in 2016), the scope of his action ranged from the daily management of the club through recruitment. In Saint-Etienne, he will have to collaborate with Claude Puel , general manager with extensive prerogatives and who was very close to his predecessor Xavier Thuilot.
Jean-François Soucasse should be officially appointed early next week.