Where Are They Now?                                   Profiles of ex-Luton players

Hervé Bacqué

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Height: - Weight: - Born: Bordeaux, 13.07.1976. Nationality: France.

Hervé began his career with Monaco, coming through the youth ranks with the French outfit.  He failed to make an appearance with the top French side, and he was released from his contract to allow him to search for a new club where he could earn first-team football.

He decided to come to England to try his luck, joining Luton on trial during the 1998-99 pre-season, with the Hatters fans knowing little about him.  He joined Luton with the Hatters struggling financially and lacking a goal scoring presence in attack following the sale of the prolific Tony Thorpe for £800,000 to Fulham at the tale end of the previous season.  Arriving in Bedfordshire with long golden hair, he appeared more like something from Hollywood than a professional footballer!

However, he initially looked as though he could be the answer to Luton's prayers.  Luton had arranged two prestigious friendlies at home to Premiership outfits Arsenal and Coventry City.  Hervé appeared alongside numerous triallists, among them Latvians, Lithuanians, and Scottish midfielder Ray McKinnon, who went on to enjoy a season with the Hatters.

Hervé quickly made an impression, scoring as the Hatters drew 1-1 with Arsenal, the French forward scoring a superb equaliser after a flowing Luton move.  A further goal followed in the match with Coventry and Hervé looked like he could be the bargain of the season.  With the Luton supporters calling for Lennie Lawrence to sign him, he was snapped up on a one-year contract to the delight of the Hatters faithful.

Hervé on his Luton debut at Wycombe.

With much expected of him, and Luton fans looking for the Hatters to launch a promotion challenge from Division Two, Hervé was given his chance on the opening day of the 1998-99 season away to Wycombe.  Playing in attack alongside Phil Gray, Hervé didn't perform as the Luton fans would have liked and he was substituted after 71 minutes.  Luton did win though, 1-0, with Steve Davis scoring the winner from a free-kick after 35 minutes.

He was given a starting place up front in the following two matches, with Luton losing 2-3 at Kenilworth Road to Oxford United in the League Cup and drawing 1-1 with Preston.  His performances were not of the required standard though, and he was dropped to the bench for the next game, which Luton won 2-0 against Colchester.

Hervé against Oxford Uinted.

Five further substitute appearances followed, 2 games of which Luton won, and 3 of which were defeats, although these matches included a two-legged Luton victory over Ipswich Town in the League Cup.

With Luton manager Lennie Lawrence highly critical of Hervé, the French striker's final opportunity to prove his worth came in an Auto Windscreens Shield game against Walsall at Kenilworth Road.  Hervé was given a starting place in attack, but he missed a penalty as Luton lost 0-3, and he was substituted after 58 minutes, leaving the pitch in tears.

It was a sad moment for a player who had at one staged looked like he could become a firm Hatters favourite and a real crowd pleaser.  He was released by Lawrence shortly afterwards, and he went for a trial with Scottish outfit Motherwell.  He impressed enough to be offered a three-month contract at Fir Park and he made his debut for Motherwell at Dundee in February 1999.  Hervé came on as a 62nd minute substitute as Motherwell lost 0-1.  However, it was to be his only appearance and he was released at the end of the season.

Hervé went on to join Norwegian side Lyn Oslo, who play in the Norwegian First Division.  He left Lyn, and signed for French amateur side FC Bassin d'Arcachon Sud.  So, the gamble never quite paid off, and Hervé will simply be remembered by Hatters fans as a flop. 

Profile By:  James Garley