Saint-Étienne Appoints Ian Cathro as New Head Coach
Scottish manager Ian Cathro, 39, has been appointed head coach of French Ligue 2 side AS Saint-Étienne after Estoril agreed to buy out his contract. Cathro replaces Philippe Montanier, who left after Saint-Étienne failed to secure promotion to Ligue 1. Cathro signed a contract until 2028 and will begin on July 1, 2026. He previously led Estoril to 8th and 10th place finishes in Portugal.
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Estoril SAD Faces Dual Leadership Vacancies After Departures
Portuguese football club Estoril SAD is prioritizing the filling of two key leadership positions: a new head coach and a new sports director. Sports director Helena Costa has left the club by mutual agreement. Head coach Ian Cathro has also departed, reportedly heading to French club Saint-Étienne, and has expressed a 'feeling of mission accomplished.' The club is actively searching for Cathro's successor, with indications that the new coach will be a foreign appointment. These changes come as Estoril prepares for the 2026/27 season.
RecordSporting Director Helena Costa Leaves Estoril by Mutual Agreement
Helena Costa has left her role as sporting director of Portuguese football club Estoril, with both parties reaching an agreement by mutual consent. The departure comes amid a period of transition for the club, as head coach Ian Cathro has also moved to French Ligue 2 side Saint-Étienne. Estoril is actively searching for Cathro's successor, with indications that the new coach will be a foreign appointment. The club has begun its 'operation new coach' process, while also preparing for the 2026/27 season with Fernando Medrano expected to be the first reinforcement. Cathro expressed a 'feeling of mission accomplished' upon his departure, highlighting achievements during his tenure at the club known as 'the canaries'.
RecordIan Cathro Says Goodbye to Estoril: 'A Feeling of Mission Accomplished'
Ian Cathro, the 39-year-old Scottish coach, has bid farewell to Portuguese club Estoril after two seasons, moving to French second-division side Saint-Étienne. In a message posted on Estoril's social media, Cathro expressed a 'feeling of mission accomplished,' citing his goal to change the club's mentality and image. He specifically recalled a fan banner reading 'Coach or fan? You choose' as a memorable moment, noting the strong bond formed with players and supporters. Cathro emphasized his commitment to winning and progress, despite not initially seeking friendships. He thanked the players for their chemistry and hard work, and expressed confidence in the club's positive future. The article, published by Record Portugal, includes Cathro's full farewell statement and highlights his unique communication style.
RecordEstoril Begins Search for New Coach After Ian Cathro Departure
Portuguese club Estoril has begun searching for a new head coach after Ian Cathro left to join French Ligue 2 side Saint-Étienne for approximately one million euros. The club's directors have defined a profile for the next coach, seeking someone who can integrate into the club's identity and adapt to their playing style and current squad. While several names have been linked in recent hours, the search is still at a very early stage with no advanced negotiations. The club does not rule out appointing a foreign coach, given the positive experience with Cathro, who led Estoril to 8th and 10th place finishes in the Portuguese League. Estoril's sports director Helena Costa is overseeing the process. The club intends to make a calm, considered decision and continue its recent work of developing players from the academy and abroad.
RecordAS Saint-Étienne Appoints Ian Cathro as New Head Coach
AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) has officially announced the appointment of Scottish coach Ian Cathro as the new head coach of the men's professional team. The 39-year-old technician has signed a contract until 2028, succeeding Philippe Montanier, who left after the club's failure to gain promotion to Ligue 1 following a playoff defeat to Nice. Cathro, who previously coached in Scotland and at Estoril in Portugal, will begin his tenure when the professional squad resumes training on July 1, 2026. He will be formally presented to the press at that time. The announcement was made via the club's official press release and social media channels on June 8, 2026.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertOfficial: Ian Cathro leaves Estoril and goes to Saint-Étienne
Ian Cathro, the 39-year-old Scottish coach, has officially left Portuguese club Estoril Praia to join French Ligue 2 side AS Saint-Étienne. The transfer was confirmed by Estoril in a statement on their website, noting that the club received financial compensation. Cathro spent two seasons at Estoril, leading the team to 8th and 10th place finishes in the Liga Portugal, and earning Coach of the Month honors twice. Under his leadership, Estoril scored 105 goals across all competitions and achieved their best consecutive results streak since the 1948/49 season. The move marks Cathro's return to France, where he previously worked as an assistant coach.
RecordIan Cathro Leaves Estoril to Join Saint-Étienne
Scottish football manager Ian Cathro is leaving Portuguese club Estoril after two seasons to take charge of French side Saint-Étienne, which currently plays in Ligue 2. The 39-year-old coach had two years remaining on his contract with Estoril, who will receive financial compensation for his departure. In the 2025/26 season, Cathro led Estoril to a 10th-place finish in the Portuguese Betclic League, following an 8th-place finish in his first season. Saint-Étienne, a historically successful club with 10 league titles, missed promotion back to Ligue 1 after losing a playoff to Nice. Estoril's sporting director Helena Costa had previously hinted at the possibility of Cathro's departure, stating that 'even the chairs are for sale' at the club.
RecordAS Saint-Étienne Appoints Ian Cathro as New Head Coach
AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) has appointed Ian Cathro as its new head coach, according to a report by L'Equipe. The French Ligue 2 club reached a financial agreement with Portuguese side Estoril to buy out the final two years of Cathro's contract. The 39-year-old Scottish manager will sign a two-year deal with ASSE, replacing Philippe Montanier, who left after the club's failure to gain promotion to Ligue 1 following a playoff loss to Nice. Cathro, who previously managed Estoril for two seasons (finishing 8th and 10th in the Primeira Liga), has coaching experience in Scotland, England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, and previously served as an assistant to Nuno Espirito Santo at Valencia.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSaint-Étienne Appoints Ian Cathro as New Head Coach
AS Saint-Étienne has reached a financial agreement with Portuguese club Estoril to buy out the contract of Scottish coach Ian Cathro, making him the new manager of the Ligue 2 side. Cathro, 39, replaces Philippe Montanier, whose contract expired at the end of June and who chose not to continue in the second division. Cathro spent two seasons at Estoril, finishing 8th in 2024-2025 and 10th in 2025-2026. He holds a UEFA pro license and has coaching experience in Scotland, Portugal, England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, including a stint as head coach at Heart of Midlothian and as assistant to Nuno Espirito Santo at Valencia, where he experienced the Champions League. The appointment is expected to be officially announced soon by both clubs.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footSaint-Étienne Appoints Ian Cathro as New Head Coach
AS Saint-Étienne has appointed Scottish coach Ian Cathro as the new head coach, replacing Philippe Montanier who did not renew his contract after the team's relegation to Ligue 2. The 39-year-old Cathro, who holds a UEFA Pro license, was bought out from Portuguese club Estoril for the final two years of his contract. Cathro previously coached Heart of Midlothian and Estoril, and served as assistant to Nuno Espirito Santo at Valencia, where he experienced the Champions League. He also worked in Scotland, England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. The move was finalized after negotiations over the weekend and officially announced on Monday afternoon.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footIan Cathro Appointed New Coach of Saint-Étienne, Replacing Philippe Montanier
AS Saint-Étienne has appointed Scottish coach Ian Cathro as their new manager, replacing Philippe Montanier whose contract expired at the end of June. The French Ligue 2 club reached a financial agreement with Portuguese side Estoril to buy out the final two years of Cathro's contract, which ran until June 2028. Cathro, 39, had been coaching Estoril for two seasons, finishing 8th in 2024-2025 and 10th in 2025-2026. He holds a UEFA Pro license and has coaching experience across Scotland, Portugal, England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, including a stint as head coach at Heart of Midlothian and as assistant to Nuno Espirito Santo at Valencia, where he experienced the Champions League. The move was officially confirmed late Monday afternoon.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts foot