Fournier fired as Auxerre coach

Relegation-threatened Auxerre have announced the departure of Laurent Fournier as coach with immediate effect.

The former France international was expected to be removed from his position with the struggling Ligue 1 outfit in January after a run of three straight defeats, but he managed to hold on to his job.

However, Auxerre’s form has not improved since then and Saturday’s home defeat by Evian Thonon Gaillard extended their winless run in all competitions to 13 games.

Consequently, Fournier was summoned to a meeting with club chairman Gerard Bourgoin on Sunday morning and relieved of his duties.

While Hapoel Haifa boss Tal Banin has previously been linked with the role, Jean-Guy Wallemme is reportedly now the favourite to succeed Fournier at the helm.

The 47-year-old Fournier, who was capped three times by his country during his playing days, only arrived at the Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps from RC Strasbourg last year.

Auxerre currently sit second from bottom in Ligue 1 and their next outing is against seventh-placed Toulouse next weekend.