Kenny Grant appointed as Eric Girard’s successor at Le Portel

ESSM Le Portel has found the successor to their iconic coach Eric Girard, who has been at the helm of their professional team for 13 years; according to our information, Kenny Grant will take over starting from the 2025-2026 season.

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Miracle worker at Le Portel for 13 years, Eric Girard prepares to leave ESSM

Miracle worker at Le Portel for 13 years, Eric Girard prepares to leave ESSM

Feb 20, 2025

Alexandre Lacoste

A highly successful season at Aix-Maurienne

A former high-level player who played for Nantes, Nancy, Roanne, Poitiers and Le Cannet, the former Swedish international has since experienced a remarkable rise in his coaching career, even though he had to relocate each season to continue climbing the ranks.

The son of a former high-level player who played at Le Mans, Elan Béarnais, and Stade français before successfully converting to become an agent, he first coached AS Monaco’s youth team, then the professional team of Avignon (NM1) and Denain (Pro B), before gaining experience in China with Liaoning Flying Leopards in 2023-2024, then becoming the head coach of Aix-Maurienne in summer 2024. Despite a very limited budget, the Savoyard club holds fifth place in Pro B after 30 matchdays (18 wins and 12 losses), notably thanks to their offense (3rd in offensive rating).

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Aix-Maurienne has the best collective evaluation in Pro B for… 33 years!

Aix-Maurienne has the best collective evaluation in Pro B for… 33 years!

March 27, 2025

Alexandre Lacoste

At Le Portel, Kenny Grant will also have to work with a small budget if the club manages to stay in the division. Currently, ESSM is 15th and in the playoff spot. A position that would lead them to face the fifth-placed team in Pro B in the playoff quarter-finals, namely… Aix-Maurienne.