troyes first season was very difficult, as they finished 20th out of 22 teams, only keeping its place in deuxième division due to the bankruptcy of fc perpignan and fco charleville. the next two seasons were much more successful, they finished 5th in 1997–1998, and 3rd in 1998–1999, due to the presence of players more used to this level, such as frédéric adam, richard jeziersky, david hamed, samuel boutal, fans favourite slađan đukić and local players, such as captain mohammed bradja. troyes took the lead during the first part of the season. even if the second part was more difficult, the team finished third, only on goal average, after a last win against as cannes. but most importantly troyes was promoted to ligue 1, 21 years after its last season at this level.