Monaco dismiss Banide

Banide, who stepped up from deputy following the dismissal of Laszlo Boloni last October, guided the principality club to a disappointing ninth-place finish in the 2006/2007 Ligue 1 campaign.

"AS Monaco has decided to discharge [Banide] from the post of trainer of the first team as of this day," the club announced on thei official website.

Banide attended a meeting with club president Michel Pastor on Friday, when the pair discussed a fresh contract for next season.

During the talks, Banide was told of plans to replace his assistant Henri Stambouli - whose deal expires on June 30 - with Jean Petit.

Banide requested 72 hours to think about the situation, and returned on Monday accompanied by his agent and lawyer.

Monaco reported on its club website that Banide had opted to accept the offer, but "with an evident lack of enthusiasm and conviction", and as a result decided to let him go.

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