SPL Import Icons: Franck Sauzée

Something that helped build his highly regarded reputation, Sauzée particularly enjoyed Edinburgh derby matches against Hearts and was unbeaten in nine derby games as player and manager.
Scoring in the 3–0 “Millennium derby” win at Tyne Castle.

Sauzée is one of the more successful captains in recent memory at Easter Road, he was club captain from 1999 until he retired from his  playing career in 2002.

Under his guidance as captain, Hibernian won promotion in return regaining their place in the Scottish Premier League and reached the 2001 Scottish Cup Final. Hibs also finished a impressive third place in the league in 2001, and in return qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

Key Moments at Hibs

In 2000 during a Edinburgh derby Sauzée scored a headed goal in a 3–1 win, while rising for the header Sauzee’ jaw collided with the Hearts centre back which resulted in the captain being knocked unconscious by the opponent’s challenge, in typical Sauzee fashion he refused to come off and instead was treated on the pitch before finally rejoining the Derby throwing himself into every challenge and header as if nothing had happened.

After the departure of manager Alex McLeish to Rangers in December 2001, Sauzée was appointed manager of Hibernian. Being only the second non-Scot to manage the club, and the first since 1919.

Although his limited time as manager would be considered unsuccessful as Hibs only managed to win one game out of 15, none of which was in the 2001–02 Scottish Premier League. The Hibs board jumped at the opportunity to move on from Sauzée after a loss to last-placed club St Johnstone which prompted his sacking in February 2002, after 69 days as Hibs manager.

Achievments

Scottish First Division: 1998–99

Scottish Cup runner-up: 2000–01

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Main Image Credits- Embed from Getty Images