Bordeaux coach Pavon stands down

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

PARIS (AFP) — French first division side Bordeaux, who escaped relegation last season, have given coach Michel Pavon a backseat job after two years in the post.

The 36-year-old former Bordeaux player told the club he did not think he would be able to stand up to a full season in charge after recovering from a heart problem last month.

Pavon, who will stay on the coaching staff, had been under threat after failing to qualify Bordeaux for Europe in his two years in charge. They only just escaped relegation for the first time in 40 years last season.

Bordeaux, who signed Liverpool's Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer on Monday, said they had no-one lined up as an immediate successor.

© 2005 AFP