The former Le Mans coach signed a two-year deal with Les Lionceaux, who have been searching for a new boss since Perrin left for Lyon on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old tactician comes with a respectable pedigree, having taken over at Le Mans when the club were in Ligue 2 and bringing them into the top flight where they have finished in 11th and 12th over the last two seasons.

His new club Sochaux enjoyed a successful season, ending up in seventh place in the league and qualifying for the UEFA Cup by way of winning the Coupe de France.

However, Hantz will be expected to take the club on further, with glory in Europe high on the Montbeliard-based side's agenda.