Romain Philippoteaux has been appointed as the new first-team manager of CS Sedan-Ardennes, a club currently competing in the Régional 1 league, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 38-year-old former professional footballer arrives after serving as an assistant coach and manager of the reserve team at Puy-en-Velay. He replaces Élise Bussaglia, who departed the club following two seasons in charge.
Philippoteaux’s appointment marks his first role as a number one in senior management. Prior to transitioning into coaching, the Frenchman enjoyed a 15-year playing career, featuring in over 300 professional matches. He represented several Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs including Dijon, Lorient, Auxerre, Brest, and Nîmes, as well as a spell with Indian Super League side NorthEast United FC. He primarily played as an attacking midfielder throughout his career.
Sedan underwent significant restructuring in the summer of 2023, being administratively relegated to Régional 3 before swiftly climbing back to Régional 1. The club narrowly missed out on promotion to National 3, now National 2 following the restructuring of French football leagues, after a defeat in the promotion play-off against APM Metz. The appointment of Philippoteaux signals an ambition to finally secure promotion and continue their upward trajectory.
The club will be hoping Philippoteaux can translate his experience as a player into success on the touchline and guide Sedan to the next level of French football. His familiarity with the French lower leagues could prove crucial as the club looks to establish itself in the National 2 division.
