TOULOUSE, France (AFP) - French first division side Toulouse, who narrowly avoided the drop this season, have parted company with their coach Elie Baup, club president Olivier Sadran said on Friday.

He will be replaced by his deputy Alain Casanova.

Sadran said the decision was taken as a result of the club's disastrous season, which saw them finish 17th, two points above the drop zone.

Baup arrived in Toulouse at the beginning of the 2006-2007 season and helped the club finish third in the league that year and book a spot in the Champions League first qualifying round.

Casanova has been with Toulouse for ten years holding posts of goalkeepers' coach and then deputy coach.