Even if Thouars and Bressuire are not Lens or Saint-Étienne, the two flagship football clubs of Nord-Deux-Sèvres embody, each in their own way, the identity of their territory. And therefore the rivalry, both cultural, historical and a bit folkloric, that Thouarsais and Bocains have cultivated for ages in many areas…
No wonder, therefore, that the derby between them unleashes passions, whatever the level. This Saturday, November 9, 2024, more than a thousand spectators are expected at the Philippe-Morin stadium (kick-off at 7 p.m.). An exceptional attendance for a Regional 1 match, but which hardly surprises Laurent Hébras.
Prestige and local supremacy at stake
Almost 50 years old (he will celebrate on January 25), the native of Angoulême is a privileged witness to this sporting duality. He joined Thouars Foot while the club was experiencing its last season in National (2000-2001), the third level of French football and the highest that Thouars has ever attended.
After Thouars, Laurent Hébras joined Bressuire as a player then coach, for which some Thouars supporters have not forgiven him…
© (Photo archives NR)
After ten years, he joined FC Bressuire, where he also spent ten seasons, as a player then coach, before his departure in 2022.
“I have participated in many derbies on the pitch and on the bench, but also in the stands over the last two years, and I am well placed to know that this is a match apart, he confides. The difference in identity and culture is felt at the level of the two clubs, even if it is above all the legacy of a more distant era. Because the rivalry is much stronger behind the scenes and in the stands, between managers and spectators of a certain generation, than on the field between players. »
Laurent Hébras thus remembers these old passionate followers of the Thouars club who, after learning of his departure for Bressuire, no longer spoke to him… “We are far from PSG-OM, but this match still counts more than the others. There is the prestige of the result and the possibility of establishing local supremacy. »
During his ten seasons at Thouars, Laurent Hébras occupied almost all positions in attack, midfield and defense.
© (Photo archives NR)
Enough to put more pressure on the players: “They know that the expectations are high for this match and they are not used to playing in front of so many people. It can enhance you but also paralyze you. The fact that both teams are leading the championship reinforces this pressure and the interest of the match. »
Son pronostic ? Match nul
He nevertheless dares to risk a prognosis: “Even if the current dynamic is more favorable to Thouars, I think there will be a draw. This is often the case in derbies, which are difficult to win for whoever is playing at home. »
In the meantime, Laurent Hébras does not hide his preference… “My favorite club remains Angoulême, where I made my debut. But otherwise, my heart necessarily leans towards Thouars, because I played longer here and it is here that I still live today, near Missé”concludes the former footballer, who works for the Doizon company, in Argenton-l’Église.
