The first friendly of the summer at Nyon, set the trend. The daily turnout has just confirmed that warm feeling: the Gym are attracting more and more attention and curiosity. The proof, they have never seen as many supporters in 5 years of travelling to Divonne.

“Even the year when Ben Arfa was here, there were less people.” For 5 years, Jean welcomes the red and black delegation each time it arrives. A small figure, full of energy, dressed in a Gym polo and shorts, "Tonton" is part of the furniture. Handshakes, opening doors, offering drinks, keeping the pitches “with Bernard”, managing the needs of the Niçois “at any time, even at 10pm”…

Used to seeing different Nice squads, he is close to “the staff, who for 5 years, have stayed the same” and “proud, like all in the town of Divonne, of the 3^rd place finish last season.” A witness and an actor in ensuring that the Aiglons feel at home alongside the Léman.

“On Friday, we risk being full…”

Nothing, in Divonne, escapes the man who is part of the local council, used to welcoming people coming from all of Europe to the thermal spring. Nothing, not even the fans congregating alongside the pitch when Dante’s side get going.

Stood behind a barrier, looking towards the pitch, allows him to better to judge the nature of the onlookers. Leaning on the handrail are Nice fans on holiday, members of the diaspora, fans originating from the region who “don’t hesitate to travel for two hours to come and see the players, because they deserve it after the season they just had” explained one of them…

But not only that. Under the sun, there are some Divonnais, members of the local club, where "Tonton" has coached for 53 years (currently in charge of the U11s), and also some tourists. There are Brazilians, Spanish and, especially Italians. “More than in previous years, I would say. The results help and Balotelli attracts a lot of people” admits the man who owns land in Cagnes-sur-mer, where he will spend time in August.

Before he finished with a personal prediction. “On Friday evening, against Servette, we risk being full (the stadium can accommodate a good one thousand supporters, Editor’s note).”

C.D. (photos Y.F.)

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