PARIS: Antoine Redin, the former Nancy-Lorraine coach credited with ‘discovering’ Michel Platini, has died, aged 78.

Redin, a defender with Nancy and Toulouse in the 1950s and 1960s, was appointed as a youth coach with the former in 1967 by president/owner Claude Cuny. In 1969 he took over the seniors as well, survived an initial run of five matches without a win, and led them to 13th in the table. A year later Redin promoted the young Platini from the third division reserve team for his debut in the French championship. Twice they were fourth in the league and added the French cup in 1978.

In 1980 Redin moved to Bastia whom he coached until 1986, winning the French cup in 1981 – against a Saint-Etienne side including Platini. Redin stayed on in Corsica after his retirement.

KEIR RADNEDGE

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