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50 years of MHSC: Jean-Claude Lemoult, the midfield leader who became Louis Nicollin’s right-hand man

Jean-Claude Lemoult, here against Jean Tigana's OM, was one of the great architects of the rise to D1 in 1987. Midi Libre – Archives

An irreplaceable midfielder, a tireless defender behind Blanc, Bernardet or Valderrama, the Vosgien, who arrived from PSG, would then embody the successful reconversion of the players by becoming director of the Paris office of the Nicollin company.

A special issue of Midi Libre of 84 pages

Condensing half a century of history into 84 pages. This is the challenge taken up by the sports editorial staff of Midi Libre in this special issue on the 50th anniversary of the MHSC. Available in newsstands for only 5 euros, this glossy magazine will make you relive the great moments of the history of the Montpellier club through our “50” who made the MHSC. Players, coaches and builders, starting with this “Nicollin Saga”, told by Laurent and Colette, the wife of the late Loulou. A special edition packed with anecdotes and unpublished photos with an exclusive interview with Olivier Giroud.

50 years of MHSC: Jean-Claude Lemoult, the midfield leader who became Louis Nicollin’s right-hand man

A 84-page magazine on newsstands. Midi Libre

The love story between Jean-Claude Lemoult and La Paillade has become that of a deep friendship between the midfielder and Louis Nicollin. When the Vosgien arrived in Hérault in 1986, he was still crowned with the title of champion won with PSG and his 1984 Olympic gold medal glittered around his neck.

Winner of the Coupe de France

A tireless scavenger, he was the keystone of Loulou's high-end recruitment to get him back to D1 in 1987 and then play the party pooper there. With this top-flight team, Montpellier would go on to win the Coupe de France. And if Lemoult ended his playing career with his neighbour and sworn enemy Nîmes (1991-93), he would return to Vidourle to join the boss's professional empire.

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Also read: 50 years of MHSC: Louis Nicollin, the incredible saga of a pack leader who became a triumphant patriarch

A simple, jovial and outspoken man, Lemoult joined the close guard of Louis Nicollin, who appointed him director of the Versailles office and also entrusted him with the management of the Parisian basketball and handball clubs when he became involved. Right-hand man, trusted man, rarely will a player have risen so high in the esteem and professional hierarchy of Louis Nicollin.

“He was an exceptional player, even on one leg”

“He was an exceptional player, capable of raking for 90 minutes even on one leg, he said of him. He is above all a personal friend, who became director of the company in the Ile de France, a good guy, full of qualities and very human.”

Read also : 50 years of MHSC: Cup victory, European epic, death of Bruno Martini… Pascal Baills’ contrasting memories

The story, however, ends badly. Because if Loulou did not hesitate, sometimes, to decide reluctantly, he could not bear to be divorced without his consent. When Lemoult informed him in 2015 that he was going to leave the company and join UEFA for personal reasons, the boss took it very badly. “He didn't speak to me anymore, refused to let us eat together so that I could explain it to him” , the player recounts in the biography of Louis Nicollin published by Solar (Le football en héritage).

Read also: 50 years of the MHSC: “Until his last breath, he will be by my side”, Michel Mézy forever at the right hand of his father

On July 4, 2017, during the Louis' funeral, Jean-Claude Lemoult will remain outside the Montpellier Cathedral, with the outcasts, those who were still serving a recent quarrel with the boss. Doubly bruised by the whims of fate.

Read also: 50 years of the MHSC: he unearthed Laurent Blanc and Younès Belhanda… Serge Delmas, the eternal seeker of nuggets

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Teilor Stone

By Teilor Stone

Teilor Stone has been a reporter on the news desk since 2013. Before that she wrote about young adolescence and family dynamics for Styles and was the legal affairs correspondent for the Metro desk. Before joining Thesaxon , Teilor Stone worked as a staff writer at the Village Voice and a freelancer for Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, GQ and Mirabella. To get in touch, contact me through my teilor@nizhtimes.com 1-800-268-7116