Pau FC

Bleuets de Notre-Dame (1920–59)

The history of football in Pau begins in 1888 with the establishment of the Association Bourbaki. In 1904, the football section of this organization was founded under the name Football Association Bourbaki. While football gained significance in Pau from 1909 with the initiation of JAB de Pau, rugby union remained the predominant sport in the Béarn and Gascony regions.

Until the end of World War II, FA Bourbaki was the flagship football club in Béarn.

At the beginning of the Trente Glorieuses, the post-World War II period of rapid economic growth in France, the Bleuets de Notre-Dame patronage, located in the Quartier Mayolis, reached the highest amateur league in the French football league system, known as the Division Nationale.

The small neighborhood patronage evolved into an institution representing the city and Béarn. The diocese, recognizing that this level of sports activity extended beyond the scope of a simple neighborhood sports association, sought to disengage. They then began the search for leaders capable of managing a club of this magnitude.

Football Club de Pau (1959–95)

The Football Club de Pau was officially established on 19 May 1959 by José Bidegain, marking a significant milestone in the history of football in Béarn. This made it the only football club hailing from the Béarn or Gascony areas of France. Notably, it also stood as one of the very few clubs in the broader South West region of France, apart from well-known cities like Toulouse and Bordeaux, to compete at the national level in the French football league system.

In its early days, the club faced unique challenges due to the lack of a dedicated home ground. Instead, it used various stadiums in the city of Pau, such as the Stade des Bleuets and Stade Bourbaki. The club proudly embraced the blue and white colors of its patronage roots and carried forward the motto Vaincre ou sourire (Conquer or Smile).

One of the significant achievements for FC Pau came in the form of reclaiming the spot that belonged to the Bleuets in the Championnat de France Amateur for the 1959–60 season. However, financial difficulties stemming from limited infrastructure posed challenges for the club's stability. During its inaugural season, FC Pau finished in the 7th position within the CFA South-West vgroup.

As the club progressed into its second season, it began to solidify its position and attract experienced players. Despite facing player departures and changes in coaching staff, FC Pau managed to maintain its competitive standing in the championship.

Progressive Withdrawal of José Bidegain

In the 1964–65 season, FC Pau experienced its first relegation in history. José Bidegain gradually stepped back from the club's leadership, allowing James Chambaud to assume the presidency. The relegation to a regional level brought about increased financial difficulties. Operating without proper facilities, the club faced a nomadic existence, using various stadiums in Pau. During this period, young player Paul Escudé stood out, becoming the first player from Pau to join the France national youth football team.

The club later regained its status in the highest amateur level in 1968–69, but this season also marked the departure of the promising Paul Escudé, who joined Girondins de Bordeaux. Despite its efforts, FC Pau remained relatively isolated in the local sports scene, with historical patronage clubs not fully recognizing its legitimacy. Consequently, FC Pau experienced a second relegation to the regional divisions of the South-West League in 1969.

Construction and Ambition under Pierre Clède's Leadership (1975–81)

Pierre Clède assumed leadership of the club in 1975 amidst sporting and financial challenges. The club spent two seasons in the Regional Divisions of the South West League before reclaiming a spot in the French Division 4 in 1978–79. Clède aimed to reach the second division within five seasons, but declining results and stadium attendance posed difficulties. The legendary player of Stade Montois, Jacques Foix, took over as coach in the 1980–81 season, but financial issues persisted, impacting results. However, Paul Escudé returned to the club, overseeing youth teams and significantly influencing its development.

Ultimately, at the start of the 1981–82 season, Paul Escudé assumed responsibility for the first team and injected new energy into the club. Despite financial challenges, the club's outdated stadium, Stade de l'Ousse des Bois no longer met its needs.

Paul Escudé Era and Struggle for Promotion to Second Division (1981–91)

In the 1980s, president Clède sought the fusion of historical Pau football clubs to address infrastructure deficiencies. Yet, strong resistance from local clubs, particularly JAB de Pau, thwarted these efforts. Amidst this impasse, Clède shifted focus and aimed to model FC Pau after professional clubs from smaller cities like AJ Auxerre or Stade Lavallois.