Girard takes reins at Lille

Jun 14, 2013 - 8:09 PM Lille, France (Sports Network) - Lille confirmed on Friday the club has appointed former Marseille manager Rene Girard to the same position.

Girard, 59, led Montpellier to the Ligue 1 title in 2011-12, but left the club following the season to take the reins at the Velodrome.

Girard then led Marseille to a second place finish in the French top flight last season, but will now take over at Lille for Rudi Garcia, who moved to Roma earlier this summer.

"We have appointed Rene Girard today to ensure the future of Lille has the same loyalty and success," a statement read on the club's website.

"I knew the coach and his record of success," club president Michel Seydoux remarked. "I found a man of great quality, passion, spirit and hard work. For Lille and the best interests of our club, I am proud and happy to see Rene join."

Girard, who has also coached the France Under-21 side, takes over a team which missed out on European qualification by a point, finishing in sixth place.