Nice to axe boss Olle-Nicolle

Backroom trio will take charge as legal issues delay dismissal

By Jamie Casey   Last updated: 9th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Nice to axe boss Olle-Nicolle

Olle-Nicolle: To be axed by Nice

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Ligue 1 club Nice have confirmed the imminent departure of Didier Olle-Nicolle as manager after less than nine months in charge.

Olle-Nicolle's predecessor Frederic Antonetti stepped down from the helm last summer after four successful years in charge and his replacement was tipped for success.

The club finished ninth in the French top division last term but struggled to match that form under Olle-Nicolle, and are currently languishing just one place above the relegation zone.

On Monday, Nice announced the club's directors had entered 'a phase of discussions' regarding Olle-Nicolle's position and have now confirmed his impending departure.

The 48-year-old will now be relieved of his duties once legal matters have been resolved and club staff Eric Roy, Rene Marsiglia and Frederic Gioria will take charge of first-team affairs for the remainder of the season.

Nice released a statement on the club's official website which confirmed Olle-Nicolle's dismissal pending the resolution of undisclosed legal matters.

"We intend to dismiss Mr Didier Olle-Nicolle," read the statement.

"The dismissal procedure is implemented in accordance with the law and no decision can be made before the preliminary interview, which will take place next week.

"In the meantime, we have taken precautionary measures. Since yesterday, and until further order, training will be provided by Mr Eric Roy, Rene Marsiglia and Frederick Gioria.

"Beyond all that, and most important, is staying in Ligue 1 and Saturday's crucial match against Le Mans."

Olle-Nicolle's time in charge was blighted by injuries to key players but the last-minute 3-2 loss to Nancy at the weekend made it only one win from 15 matches and proved the last straw for the club's directors.

Nice now travel to fellow relegation candidates Le Mans this weekend and defeat would bring Les Aiglons to within two points of the drop zone.

Former Clermont, Nimes and Valenciennes boss Olle-Nicolle was reportedly offered another role within the club but declined.