Lilian Nalis


Lilian Bernard Pierre Nalis is a French former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. In July 2019, he became a technical advisor for the academy of SC Bastia.
Nalis played in Ligue 1 for Caen, Guingamp, Le Havre and SC Bastia, Serie A for Chievo, the Premier League for Leicester City, and the Football League for Leicester, Sheffield United, Coventry City, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town.

Career

Born in Nogent-sur-Marne, Nalis started his career in his home country of France, playing for a wide variety of French clubs including Le Havre, Caen, Guingamp and Bastia. After three seasons with Bastia, Nalis moved onto the Italian side Chievo.
After a bad spell of form at Chievo, Nalis was sold to English side Leicester City in 2003 who had just earned promotion to the Premiership. Despite Leicester being relegated straight back to the Football League Championship, Nalis stayed with the team. His only premiership goal for City was one of his best, scoring against Leeds United with a smashing 25 yard volley in 2003.
During the summer 2005, Nalis was transferred to Sheffield United but after losing his place in the side early in the season, he went on loan with Coventry City before moving to Plymouth Argyle in January 2006. Nalis was voted the fans player of the year for the 2006-7 season and signed a one-year extension to his contract.
It was announced in April 2008 that Nalis, would be released by Plymouth Argyle, when his contract expires in June.
On 31 July 2008, Nalis signed for Swindon following a brief trial.
After his final season in England, Nalis returned to France, by signing for the Corsica-based side of CA Bastia.

Coaching career

After retiring at the end of the 2009-10 season, Nalis was appointed assistant manager of CA Bastia. He worked for the club until the summer 2014, where he was appointed assistant manager of Stade Laval. He was at the club for two and a half years, before joining AC Le Havre, also as an assistant manager.
On 10 July 2019, SC Bastia announced, that Nalis had returned to the club as a technical advisor for the clubs academy.