Simon Flak

Simon Flak (1923 – February 1999) was a Franco-Polish footballer who played as a defender for Lens and Cannes in the late 1940s. He later became a coach, leading Nœux-les-Mines for 21 years, from 1955 until 1976.

Career Born in 1923, Flak played for the likes of Lens (1945–46), Cannes, Monaco, and Toulon. In 1955, Flak was appointed as the coach of Nœux-les-Mines, a position that he held for 21 years, until 1976, when he was replaced by Guy Debeugny, who needed to surround himself with people, so he suggested Gérard Houllier, who went on to replace him in 1978. Under his leadership, the USN was relegated to the 1st division Artois in 1961, but only stayed there for one season before returning to the PH championship, achieving promotion to the DH in 1969, which they won in 1971, thus reaching the third division.

Death Flak died in February 1999, at the age of either 75 or 76.

Honours Nœux-les-Mines Third Division Champions (1): 1976