Saint-Étienne: The Golden Years

Eirik Horneland and his Saint-Étienne side secured their first win of the year against Stade de Reims last weekend, but now head to the French capital to face Paris Saint-Germain in a tough test for Les Verts.

PSG have been dominant in Ligue 1 McDonald's over the past decade, with the capital club winning 10 of their last 12 titles in a 12-year span from 2013 to 2024. But Saint-Étienne were once as historically dominant as the current holders of the title. Let's rewind back to the 1960s and 1970s when Les Verts dominated the French first division and regularly competed in Europe. 

Jean Snella, and the rise of ASSE

The success story began in the 1956–57 season, under head coach and former player Jean Snella. With players like goalkeeper Claude Abbes, midfielder Kees Rijvers, and striker Georges Peyroche, Saint-Étienne clinched their first-ever Ligue 1 title. Snella's tactical acumen laid the foundation for what would become a dynasty. His tenure also saw the arrival of key talents, such as Georges Bereta and Hervé Revelli, who became icons of the club.

The golden run reached new heights under Albert Batteux, who succeeded Snella in 1967. Batteux’s era brought four league titles, including three consecutive triumphs from 1967 to 1970, as well as two Coupe de France victories. Les Verts secured domestic doubles in 1968 and 1970. This dominance cemented Saint-Étienne’s reputation as France’s premier footballing force, with Gérard Farison, Bernard Bosquier, and Revelli shining on the pitch as the stars of French football. 

The Robert Herbin years, Michel Platini's iconic era

Former Saint-Étienne player Robert Herbin then took over as manager in the 1970s and led the club to even greater heights. Herbin's innovative approach resulted in back-to-back doubles in 1974 and 1975. However, the pinnacle of Saint-Étienne’s golden years came in 1976 when they reached the final of the European Cup. Facing Bayern Munich at Hampden Park, Les Verts fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat, with the infamous "poteaux carrés" (square goalposts) symbolizing their misfortune. Despite the heartbreak, the journey solidified their place in European football lore.

The club's crowning domestic achievement during this period was the 1980–81 Ligue 1 title, their tenth and final to date, with Michel Platini at the helm as captain. Platini's leadership and flair epitomised Saint-Étienne's attacking and easy-on-the-eye style, and his contributions remain etched in the memories of fans.

Though their golden years ended with Herbin's departure in 1983, AS Saint-Étienne’s achievements during this era were unparalleled in French football. Ten league titles, six Coupe de France victories, and a European Cup final embody the glory of a club that captured the hearts of a nation. On Sunday they'll be hoping to bring some of that spark back, as they face up to the challenge of playing PSG at the Parc des Princes.

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>>Saint-Étienne appoint Eirik Horneland as manager

Photo Credit: AS Saint-Étienne