Julien Lachuer Appointed Brest Head Coach After Eric Roy's Death

Julien Lachuer is taking charge of Stade Brestois as head coach for the next two seasons, following the death of Eric Roy, who had led the club since January 2023 while fighting pancreatic cancer for three and a half years.

Roy remained on the Brest bench until earlier this month and died on 17 June, having guided the side to a historic third-place finish in Ligue 1 and a first-ever Champions League qualification during the 2023-24 campaign.

Across 142 matches in all competitions, Roy recorded 60 wins, 33 draws and 49 defeats, giving a win percentage of 42.3%, although Brest slipped to 12th in the 2025-26 season, ending seven points clear of the relegation play-off position.

Lachuer had been Roy’s assistant since the coach arrived in 2023, working closely through Brest’s European push and later challenges, and Roy personally chose Lachuer to replace him on the touchline, seeing the appointment as a continuation of the existing project rather than a major break.

In the official announcement, the club said on X: "Stade Brestois is pleased to officially announce the appointment of Julien Lachuer as head coach of the professional team for the next two seasons, they said in a statement on X. Wished for by Eric Roy before his passing on June 17, the responsibility of continuing the work of the Nicois technician has been accepted by Julien Lachuer, just days before the scheduled resumption on Thursday, July 2. A mission, like a natural legacy, that he will approach with a perfect knowledge of the club gained over the years spent at Stade Brestois."

Julien Lachuer prepares for first season as Brest head coach

This role is the first senior head coaching position of Lachuer’s career, with Brest’s opening match of the new season set against newly promoted Le Mans, while training is due to restart on 2 July, leaving limited preparation time for staff and squad under the new structure.

Lachuer is already closely linked with Brest, having finished a playing career there as a goalkeeper between 2005 and 2010, and that long association is expected to help maintain continuity for players and staff as Brest move into the Champions League era shaped by Roy’s achievements and Lachuer’s appointment.