Alain Casanova`s long reign as Toulouse coach ends

Alain Casanova`s seven-year reign as coach of Toulouse ended on Monday with his sacking by the struggling Ligue 1 side.

The 52-year-old took control of Toulouse in 2008, his first coaching appointment after a successful playing career as a goalkeeper for Le Havre, Marseille, and Toulouse.

Casanova was the French top flight`s longest serving manager, having taken up the position in May 2008, from Elie Baup.

But a poor run of results, the latest Saturday`s 1-0 loss to fellow strugglers Lens, coming after a 6-1 thrashing by Marseille, forced the club`s hand.

Casanova leaves with Toulouse third from bottom and embroiled in a fight to stay in the top flight.

Dominique Arribage, in charge of the club`s recruitment policy, was named as his successor.

"Alain is no longer the coach of Toulouse," club president Olivier Sadran told a press conference.

"It`s obvious this has been a very complicated decision. It comes from a very hard period for the team which has left us in a very delicate position.

"We have the strong conviction that our future is in L1. We`re in a boat that even if it`s rolling from time to time, it`s unsinkable."

While Casanova held the record as the longest serving coach still working, the all time record is held by Guy Roux, coach of French football club Auxerre for a 36 year period between 1964 and 2000.