55 years old: the golden age of Associate Supporters

Created on the initiative of Roger Rocher in July 1970 at the end of a simply breathtaking season—from the fourth consecutive French championship title to the victory of young talents who won the Gambardella Cup and whose merits would soon be praised, not to mention the record victory in the French Cup against their rivals from Nantes (5-0) — the Fédération des Associés Supporters de l'ASSE celebrated its 55th anniversary. This took place during an exciting week filled with shared memories and genuine passion. Joannès Ginhoux, “the pope of supporters,” and Georges Elbeck, to name but a few, have been prominent figures in this association, which now has some 2,700 members belonging to 180 sections. These figures attest to the loyalty of the Green People to this club, this unique territory, this fervor that is passed down from generation to generation without ever wavering. Jean-Charles Schuler, who has been involved in the life of the club since 1992 and has presided over the destiny of the Associés Supporters since November 2005, is rightly proud to point this out.

A green week full of events, crowned with success

The menu for this green week was copious, the anecdotes sometimes juicy, the guests never tired of talking about their almost carnal relationship with ASSE, their extremely strong bond with the club and the city, those moments of grace but also its cruel descents. Former presidents André Laurent and Philippe Koehl, alongside Alex Mahinc, ASSE's long-time cameraman, and Philippe Gastal, founder of the Musée des Verts, hosted an evening at Le Chaudron. Also welcomed at the association's headquarters, located on Rue Jean-Snella (you couldn't make it up), was Thierry Poyet, author of a fine book entitled “Le maillot de Larqué” (Larqué's Jersey). Not to mention the presence of Jean-Marc Barsotti on the ASSE Board of Directors and the welcome visit of Huss Fahmy, Jaeson Rosenfeld, Jean-François Soucasse, Samuel Rustem, Loïc Perrin, and Ilan to the headquarters, where they presented several gifts, including a framed and flocked jersey in honor of these dear Associates. All this before their president, Jean-Charles Schuler, and their secretary, Stéphane Rochedix, were honored on the giant screens. A wonderful program that ended in the best possible way: with a victory for Les Verts! 

“And finally, we will be communicating via video on Tuesday with President Ivan Gazidis,” says Jean-Charles Schuler, delighted that “the green flame still burns brightly, from the Loire to Tahiti. Last Saturday, for Nancy's visit, we welcomed the Poitiers and Ariège sections, for example. Everything went smoothly thanks to the dedication of our volunteers.” With the passion still very much alive, we look forward to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Associés Supporters."

The dream team

Les Associés Supporters were asked to name their ideal starting eleven from the association's creation on July 1, 1970, to the present day. Here is the verdict for a dream team playing in a 4-3-3 formation and, of course, coached by Robert Herbin. In goal, Ivan Curkovic; in defense, Osvaldo Piazza, Loïc Perrin, William Saliba, and Gérard Janvion; in midfield, Michel Platini, Jean-Michel Larqué, and Lubomir Moravcik; and finally, in attack, Dominique Rocheteau, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Salif Keita. Enough to give their opponents headaches!