In 1988, his time finally arrived. At the end of a difficult season in Division 1, the Lensois held on at the last minute. A performance deemed insufficient by Jean Honvault, who is leaving his role as president. Having joined the management committee a few months earlier and ardently supported by Mayor André Delelis, Gervais Martel was propelled to the governance of Racing on August 24, 1988, at only 33 years old.
An inveterate and wise supporter, the youngest manager of D1 has a clear idea of the strategy he wants to put in place. Before making the RCL one of the country’s flagship clubs, he above all wants the Artesian team to resemble its audience. To do this, for example, he takes his players to meet the miners of Pit 10. “These people are bleeding themselves to come see you,” then says the leader to the Blood and Gold who will then achieve good results.
In Lens, his ambition and sincerity are convincing. Coveted, the locals Éric Sikora and Jean-Guy Wallemme remain Lensois. Then Robbie Slatter, Roger Boli, Guillaume Warmuz and Tony Vairelles strengthen Racing once the rise to D1 has been achieved. Financially, Gervais Martel turned the club around, laying the first stones of “his” RC Lens.
Morocco
