FC Nantes is in mourning on Monday, after learning the death of Jean-René Toumelin. This 80-year-old man had notably been the president of the FC Nantes association (from 1992 to 1996), before becoming that of the professional structure, from 1996 to 1998. He died on Sunday in his second home in Port-Blanc ( Morbihan).
Jean-René Toumelin had succeeded Guy Scherrer, on October 31, 1996, at the head of the club, and he then wanted to “make FC Nantes a big family”. Close to the legendary “Coco” Suaudeau and Reynald Denoueix, Jean-René Toumelin was one of the emblematic figures of FC Nantes in the 1990s, and still very popular with the club’s historical supporters.
Originally from Morbihan, he was replaced by Kléber Bobin in January 1999, after strong criticism of his management of the club issued by the deputy and mayor of Nantes at the time, Jean-Marc Ayrault. “FC Nantes would like today to offer its condolences to his family, his loved ones, as well as to thank Jean-René Toumelin for his dedication during all these years, and all that he has brought to the club”, concludes the press release from the FCN.