He will miss Laval’s possible return to Ligue 1. Michel Le Milinaire, legendary coach of Stade Lavallois, died at the age of 92 on the night of Friday to Saturday.
This Breton by birth and heart had been part of Laval’s heyday for almost 30 years. Coach of the reserve then of the main team, he led the club from the regional championship to the first division in 1976. Then to the European Cup in 1983. Michel Le Milinaire participated in the elimination of Dynamo Kiev to participate at the UEFA Cup.
Tributes for “Mimi”
Voted best coach in the Division twice (1979, 1983), he was recognizable by his cap which barely hid a bald head that had become legendary. His duo with Henri Bisson, the historic president, was a model for the success of Guy Roux at Auxerre. Coach from 1968 to 1992, “Mimi” as he was nicknamed ended up leaving Laval in the second division before joining Rennes, with whom he sought another rise in D1.
Stade Lavallois has announced that a minute of silence will be held this Saturday during the Grenoble reception counting for the 16th day of Ligue 2. Current president Laurent Lairy explained that “other tributes would follow”. Leader of the championship with 2 points ahead of Angers, and 5 over Grenoble third, the best tribute would perhaps be a victory and another small step towards a return to Ligue 1.
