The end of an era approaches. Olympique Lyonnais lost 2-0 to Valenciennes ("we were rubbish" was the frank assessment of defender Cris) on Saturday and now languish seven points behind joint Ligue 1 leaders, Marseille and Bordeaux, with only four games left. Baring a remarkable turnaround in form, OL's run of league titles will stop at seven.
Another era is also coming to an end in Lyon, with the transfer of 436 inmates from the decrepit prison bang in the city centre to a brand spanking new facility on the outskirts. A mere 900 gendarmes and security personnel were deployed in a top secret operation to transfer the entire prison clientèle in a single day. The old prison, just behind the main line terminus of Perrache now lies empty; with its future uncertain.
Meanwhile, a less notable anniversary passes with a certain amount of comment today. Two years after the election of Nicolas Sarkozy as prèsident, a poll published today finds that 65% of French people are 'disappointed' by his actions, and barely a quarter satisfied. Pas une grande surprise...
