The 68-year-old Roux is one of the best-known figures in French football as much for his managerial skills as his outspoken comments and television punditry.

He took unfashionable Auxerre out of the second division to win the French league title in 1996 along with four French Cup triumphs in 1993, 1996, 2003 and 2005.

Against the odds the club also reached the quarterfinals of the prestigious Champions League in 1997.

Roux will replace Francis Gillot who resigned last week after a poor end to the season which saw Lens blow their chances of playing in next season's Champions League.

"I am joining a friendly, united club," Roux said of his new two-year contract with the side from northeastern France.

"Lens is already a good side and it won't be necessary to change too much. Just a few touches here and there."

Roux said that he had been in talks with several clubs but that in the end it had come down to a choice between Lens and Bordeaux, two of the mainstays of the French top flight.

Objections to his appointment, however, may come from the national union of football coaches who have pointed out that league rules bar anyone over the age of 65 working as a full-time coach.

Roux, however, said he hoped that an arrangement could be made in his case as had happened with his last contract at Auxerre.