The Journey Restarts

 Let’s summarize where we left off when FM26 was released in early November:

Julien Gauthier, who moved from Le Havre to Everton at a young age, from where he was loaned to Preston, and then to the German side Bochum in the final year of his contract. After they were relegated from the Bundesliga, he returned home to France, where, as captain, he led Grenoble back to the French top flight after 60 years. He became a legend, but after his club went bankrupt, he signed with St. Étienne and won the League Cup in the penultimate year of his career. In the following season, his right ankle—which had troubled him many times throughout his career—finally gave out for good.

He spent the next 10 years attending coaching courses and working extensively as an assistant manager. He strongly expected to eventually take the reins at Grenoble, but that never materialized. In 2022, he became the assistant manager at his boyhood club, Le Havre, under Luka Elsner. They performed so well that Reims, aiming for European competition, came calling for Elsner (in the summer of 2024), who asked Gauthier to follow him as his assistant. Julien didn't hesitate for long, but the mission ended in failure. In the spring of 2025, when the team was closer to the relegation zone than to Europe, the coaching duo was sacked.

Julien is married to his wife, Laura, and they have two children: 13-year-old Camille and 10-year-old Louis.

So, this is where we start. I hope I’ll have more success this time than I did before.

About the save: The active leagues are those where Julien has spent time during his career—France, England, and Germany. In addition, I've included Switzerland and Italy (due to their proximity to Grenoble; Northern Italy, in particular, could be a realistic destination for Julien), as well as Belgium. All leagues from these six countries are included in the game.

So, here we are on February 26, 2026. There are a total of 17 vacant managerial positions in the leagues mentioned above. The most prominent vacancies are at Sheffield United, currently sitting 18th in the Championship, and Hannover, 14th in the 2. Bundesliga. 

However, Julien doesn't feel ready for these roles just yet. On the other hand, the vacancy at Pau FC—who are currently rock bottom of Ligue 2—has certainly piqued his interest.

However, Julien spent so much time overthinking his application that by the time he was ready to apply, it was already too late:

Once Julien started showing signs of life, the French press tracked him down immediately. He was questioned regarding the struggling Nancy, and he spoke with surprising honesty. He admitted that he is closely monitoring the situation and would be interested in the opportunity.

See you as soon as something interesting happens - most likely in a couple of days. And this time, it’s going to be a very slow burn..

Back to Le Havre

And an Unexpected Move

Julien found himself once more on the outside, overlooked for the Grenoble head coach position—despite quietly believing that his years of loyalty and growth would finally be rewarded. When Grenoble appointed Maurizio Jacobacci as Philippe Hinschberger’s replacement, the Swiss coach arrived with his own trusted assistants, making it clear there would be little room for holdovers or sentimental appointments. Julien watched the transition unfold with a bittersweet mix of expectation and disappointment. His mentor Hinschberger invited him to join Amiens, but this time, Julien chose to stay. He waited—hoping a managerial door might open somewhere. Yet that call never came. Instead, he devoted the next year to his family and to developing himself, observing training sessions at major clubs and studying the tactics of Europe’s most successful managers. For the first time in years, football became private study instead of daily routine; and as the months passed, Julien grew more patient, wiser, and quietly determined for a future that was still just out of reach.

A year later, Julien’s phone rang unexpectedly. On the other end was newly appointed Le Havre manager Luka Elsner. Elsner had just taken the reins at Julien’s hometown club and was searching for an assistant with broad experience and tactical imagination. With barely concealed excitement, Julien agreed to join the project immediately—even before hanging up, he was picturing the club’s old stands, the sea air, the place where it all began.

Before accepting, Julien hesitantly pitched the idea at home. Camille was now 10 and Louis 7—both old enough to realize what a move would mean. But Le Havre, while distant from their life in the Alps, was no stranger. The family had spent many vacations there with Julien’s parents. Laura, quietly supportive as ever, simply took his hand and smiled: “If this is what you want, let’s do it.”

Elsner and Julien hit it off from the start, both on the training ground and in strategic planning. They challenged each other—Elsner with his vision and man-management, Julien with calm analysis and a willingness to experiment tactically. Though Le Havre was working on a tight budget with modest ambitions, the coaching team managed steady progress. They  brought through academy talents, and earned the respect of their league rivals. The city, and Julien’s parents, swelled with pride at his return.

Le Havre earned a stunning promotion to Ligue 1 in 2022/23—a return to the top flight that brought joy to both the city and Julien's family. In the season that followed, survival was always the target; together, they managed to keep the team up.

In the summer of 2024, everything changed. Stade de Reims came calling for Elsner—lured by a bigger budget, transfer flexibility, and the chance to chase Europe. Julien didn’t hesitate to follow: it was his first taste of working at a club with genuine European aspirations, and the project, the city, and the supporters all full of ambition. The first months in Reims were challenging rather than a whirlwind: inconsistent football, mixed results, and the team positioned in the mid-to-lower part of the table. By early 2025, hopes of a top-four finish had faded, with the club instead focused on securing safety from relegation.

Football is ruthless. Injuries struck, form collapsed, and a handful of painful defeats left the project wobbling just as expectations peaked. In April, club management decided to make a change as the team drifted towards relegation—a clean sweep of the coaching staff, including both Elsner and Julien.

For the first time in a decade, Julien was unemployed not by his own choice, but because football’s spinning wheel had cast him off. All the seasons, all the comebacks, and all the locker room talks—suddenly, he was on the outside looking in, with no club badge and no preseason to plan.

In the summer of 2025, something unexpected happened.

New Horizons

 Julien’s Growth Under Philippe Hinschberger

Julien’s working relationship with Philippe Hinschberger started off as a difficult dance. Hinschberger, known for his strong opinions and methodical approach, brought high expectations and a meticulous eye for detail to his new post at Grenoble. For a while, Julien sometimes felt like an outsider in his own club. The two men clashed on tactical details and training routines, and more than once left the training ground in stony silence—each respecting the other’s expertise, but struggling to find a common language.

Yet, as the weeks turned to months, something shifted. Both coaches recognized their shared commitment and ambition. Julien learned to appreciate Hinschberger’s discipline and vision, while the head coach came to rely on Julien’s local knowledge, man-management, and intuition honed from years in Grenoble’s colors. They began seeking each other’s advice, staying late after sessions to debate lineups or pour over opposition footage. Over time, a foundation of trust and even friendship formed—one that would see the club grow on and off the pitch.

Grenoble’s results soon spoke for themselves. The first season under Hinschberger was one of stabilization; the team adapted tactically, finishing in mid-table but setting the stage for what was to come. By the following year, Grenoble became a genuine force in Ligue 2. An organized, fluid system, more dynamic attacking play, and a unified squad spirit meant the club was pushing up the table, regularly challenging some of France’s most historic sides. Fans started to dream. Journalists noted their clever pressing, improved ball progression, and the balance between youth and experience.

By 2021, with Grenoble threatening promotion, Hinschberger’s achievements didn’t go unnoticed. His phone began to ring—especially from Amiens, a club with big post-Ligue 1 ambitions and the resources to lure an in-demand coach. After long deliberation, Hinschberger accepted Amiens’ offer. Privately, he hoped Julien would join him on the next step, having come to value not just Julien’s skills, but his loyalty and steadfast presence on the bench.

Julien, however, this time chose differently. The call to Amiens was flattering, and the thought of following his mentor did cross his mind. But, Julien felt ready when Hinschberger left, and he really wanted to take charge of the team.

See you next time with the last chapter before he steps into management!

Should He Stay Or Should He Go

 Turning Point at the Market

After two whirlwind seasons and back-to-back promotions, Julien was on the cusp of a major decision in his coaching career. That summer, he found himself weighing two contrasting options. He could follow his long-time mentor, Olivier Guégan, to Valenciennes, a small but ambitious club near the Belgian border. Guégan valued Julien’s tactical insight and reliability, promising new challenges and the adventure of working in a different region. The prospect was tempting—professional growth and the comfort of a proven partnership.

At the same time, back home in Grenoble, the directors appointed renowned manager Philippe Hinschberger as head coach. Hinschberger’s CV was impressive: fresh off a high-profile stint at Metz, where he masterminded promotion to Ligue 1 and then kept the club up—until a poor run the previous autumn led to his dismissal. The club made it clear they wanted Julien to continue as assistant under the new regime, yet, to his disappointment, he was never seriously considered for the head coach position. For a few weeks, Julien couldn’t help but feel overlooked and slightly bitter.

It was during this period of uncertainty—one sunny Saturday at the bustling Grenoble market—that life gave Julien the answer he needed. With Laura, Camille, and little Louis browsing the stalls of fruit and cheese, a man in his seventies approached him, his weathered face breaking into an emotional smile. The old supporter introduced himself and reminisced: he had witnessed Grenoble’s heartbreak in 1963 when they were relegated and never expected to see first division football again. But it happened under Julien’s captaincy in 2008. That moment, he said, was something he’d never forget. His eyes moistened with gratitude as he quietly thanked Julien for giving him those memories.

They spoke only for a few minutes, but as they parted ways, the old man’s tearful appreciation stayed with Julien. Laura, noticing the distant, thoughtful smile on Julien’s face as they strolled home, squeezed his hand. She recognized the shift.

Julien understood, then, that Grenoble was more than just another coaching job. Here, he was somebody—a part of the city’s footballing history and hopes. Whatever grievances he felt toward the board melted away before the simple truth: this was home, and a new chapter with Hinschberger was the right path. By the new season’s start, Julien was again on the Grenoble bench, ready to help guide the club’s next adventure—this time, with fresh belief in both himself and the place he’d come to mean so much for.

Next: Julien's partnership with Hinschberger!

First Steps In Coaching

Promotion Double in the Alps 

When Julien accepted the offer to become Grenoble Foot 38’s assistant coach in the summer of 2016, he was stepping into familiar territory with fresh credentials: he had just completed his UEFA B licence, making him eligible for an official staff role in the CFA. Returning to the club where he’d played his best football, Julien felt ready for the next step.

The challenges were significant—Grenoble was battling in France’s fourth tier. From the very first pre-season session, Julien’s focus was on transferring his experiences as a player into the daily grind of training and match preparation. He worked closely with the head coach, helping blend veterans with ambitious youth in a squad designed for a promotion push.

The 2016/17 season was a dream. Julien took charge of technical drills, guided midfield play, and acted as a bridge between staff and dressing room. Grenoble posted one of their strongest ever campaigns in CFA Groupe C and, by spring, clinched 1st place and a precious promotion to the Championnat National. For Julien, celebrating that night at Stade des Alpes was another highlight of his football life—this time from the bench.

The following year brought new challenges in the National, France’s tough third level. Early in the season, Julien took another leap and began his UEFA A licence course, balancing intensive studies with the demanding role of assistant coach. Even on matchdays, he worked new ideas from the course into his approach, pushing the team and himself to adapt to the tougher opposition.

As the National season wore on, Grenoble’s grit and organisation paid dividends. Julien was an integral part of the coaching staff throughout that 2017/18 promotion battle, his own development mirroring the club’s ambitions. By season’s end, Grenoble finished 3rd, earning yet another promotion—this time, back to Ligue 2.

Those two years were transformational: Grenoble’s double rise up the divisions and Julien’s journey through coaching qualifications cemented his status not just as a former player, but as an emerging professional coach. And as confetti swirled at the final whistle, Julien looked up into the stands—Louis and Camille waving excitedly—and recognised the beauty of new beginnings for both club and family.

At the end of season 2017/18 Olivier Guégan's contract as the manager of Grenoble has expired and he accepted the opportunity to take over at Valenciennes FC.

Next time we'll find out what Guégan's departure means for Julien!

New Beginnings

 Fatherhood, Friendship, and the First Steps Toward Coaching

The summer of 2015 arrived with sunlight and celebration for Julien and Laura. In late July, their long-awaited second child was born—a son named Louis. The newborn’s cries and sleepy smiles brought fresh energy and warmth to their quiet house in Grenoble. Julien, happily retired from football, dived into fatherhood with his whole heart, mastering the art of bottle-heating and nighttime comforting. Camille, now a lively and curious girl, was delighted by her baby brother, always eager to help and cheer Louis with gentle songs.

Life moved at a slower, richer rhythm. Morning walks became a ritual: Laura and Julien strolled through Grenoble’s leafy boulevards, Camille skipping ahead, Louis tucked safe in a sling. The parks echoed with laughter. Friends and family visited, marveling at how Julien—once so focused on football—now seemed perfectly content with the simple joys of home.

Yet the game was never far from his mind. As summer faded into autumn, Julien began to sense the familiar pull of the pitch—not as a player, but as a guide. Encouraged by Laura and by fond memories of years spent in team huddles, he signed up for a coaching course, eager to turn decades of experience into new skills for molding future generations.

At the first session of his UEFA B license course, Julien felt a wave of nostalgia and nervous energy. The classroom was filled with ex-pros, faded talents, and local youth coaches. Then, a grin spread across his face—a familiar figure approached: Nicolas Dieuze, another stalwart from Grenoble’s glory years, fresh from his own retirement after a solid career across France's leagues.

While their own children—Louis, Camille, and Nicolas’ twins—were much too young to play together, Julien and Nicolas quickly fell back into old routines. The coaching coursework was intense: classroom theory, video analysis, hands-on drills on chilly autumn mornings. Over coffee, they laughed about old matches, swapped stories about coaching ambitions, and the world of football.

Evenings often saw the two of them poring over tactics, challenging each other’s game models, or dreaming about starting an academy together one day. The camaraderie of teammates was instantly rekindled—now focused on learning, teaching, and passing on their love of the game.

Julien found the journey as rewarding as any championship chase—each module completed, every new concept mastered felt like a small victory. At night, in the peaceful hush of the nursery, Julien looked at Louis and imagined futures: perhaps his son would one day be coached by him, perhaps not. What mattered now was the moment, the fresh start for his family—and the quiet pride of a new purpose, growing alongside the greatest gifts life had given him.

See you next with Julien's first steps in coaching!

Final Bow

The Farewell

We closed the previous chapter with the team and supporters filled with anticipation for the coming season. For one figure, however, thoughts took a different turn. Months earlier, Julien had begun discussions about his future with the club. Christophe Galtier spoke candidly: summer transfer plans were already forming, and while Julien’s leadership and experience were valued in the dressing room, his on-pitch role would be much reduced—only occasional appearances, no longer a key player.

Training camps grew harder with each year, and the rigors of preseason were taking their toll on Julien’s aging body. Towards the end of the season, the familiar ache of his right ankle resurfaced—a warning sign that perhaps the end was near.

They reached an agreement: the match on May 17th, against Ajaccio, would be Julien’s final professional game. When the 60th minute arrived and Saint-Étienne led 2–0, Julien was substituted for the last time. The crowd roared his name—“Gauthier, Gauthier!”—and tears mingled with his smile as he waved goodbye.

His journey had its share of poor decisions and untimely injuries, but Julien could look back knowing he’d hoisted a cup with Saint-Étienne, and ended his career on a high, with his best ever lague finish

He's never been a household name in Europe, not even in France except fotr the regions of Grenoble and St. Étienne. Relegated in his first full season with Le Havre, then moved to Everton where he never really lived up to the expexctations and spent a season and a half on loan at Preston, for the final season of his Everton contract he was sent on loan to Bochum, where he got relegated again. In 2005 he moved to Ligue 2 side Grenoble, where he became team captain gained promotion in 2008. In 2010 (after he got relegated with Grenoble ) he moved to St. Étienne, where he has spent the last four years of his playing career and finished 10th, 7th 5th, then 4th in his final season, also won the Coup de la Ligue in 2013.

After his emotional farewell, Julien and Laura settled in Grenoble—the site of his fondest football memories. In a quiet neighborhood and a classic French home, Julien devoted the next year to his family. The rhythm of ordinary life replaced the highs and lows of match days; visits to his parents and sister in Le Havre became part of their new routine. He embraced the peace, grateful for a career fulfilled and a future with those who mattered most.

Let's see what happens next with Julien!