The 2008-09 campaign delivered ultimate heartbreak for Le Havre as Ciel et Marine finished a crushing 20th in Ligue 1, resulting in their immediate relegation back to the second tier after only one season. Leading the charge was forward Amadou Alassane, whose 10 goals topped the side's league scoring charts in a season defined by a difficult struggle for survival. It was a turbulent year that saw the recently promoted club fall short, but one that highlighted the goal-scoring ability of the French striker.