Southampton appoint Will Still as new manager on three-year deal

Southampton Football Club have confirmed the appointment of 32-year-old Will Still as the new first-team manager, entrusting him with the task of leading the Saints back to the Premier League after a turbulent campaign ended in relegation. Still, who recently stepped down from his role at Ligue 1 side RC Lens, has signed a three-year deal and is expected to begin pre-season duties immediately.

A new era begins at St Mary’s

The appointment of Will Still, one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches, signals a bold and forward-thinking move by Southampton’s leadership. He takes over from Ivan Juric, who exited the club in April following a dismal run that confirmed Southampton’s drop from the Premier League with seven matches left to play.

Still’s arrival aligns with the club’s commitment to building a modern football identity driven by a data-led approach, high-intensity football, and youth development. Speaking on his new role, Still expressed enthusiasm for the challenge:

"There is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special. The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team."

"I'm eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong – in the Premier League."

Still’s Coaching Journey: From Football Manager to Real-Life Dugouts

Born in Belgium to English parents, Will Still’s story is as unconventional as it is inspirational. His fascination with tactics began through playing Football Manager, a video game that sparked his decision to transition from playing to coaching at just 17.

He pursued a degree in Applied Football Coaching at Myerscough College in Lancashire, laying the groundwork for his career. Still’s professional break came in 2014 when he became a video analyst at Belgian side Sint-Truidense. His rise was meteoric, eventually becoming the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues when he took over Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims at the age of 30 in October 2022.

At Reims, Still quickly gained notoriety for his tactical acumen, calm sideline demeanor, and ability to motivate players. Remarkably, because he didn’t yet hold a UEFA Pro Licence, the club had to pay a £22,000 fine for every match he managed,a testament to how highly they rated his abilities.

After a short stint at Lens, Still has returned to England with ambitions to prove himself in the EFL Championship, a highly competitive and physically demanding league. Southampton believe he has the right mix of innovation, leadership, and adaptability to steer them back into top-flight football.

Southampton Leadership Back Their Man

Group technical director Johannes Spors, who led the managerial search, highlighted the qualities that made Still the standout candidate:

"Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience, and we have been extremely impressed both by his track record and our conversations with him."

"What stood out was his clear philosophy, his adaptable game model, and the values he brings. We believe he is a strong fit for our long-term culture at Staplewood."

Still is expected to be at St Mary’s Stadium for Southampton’s final game of the season against Arsenal, although his managerial duties will officially commence in the off-season.

Lens, Brothers, and Beyond

RC Lens released a statement thanking Still for his contributions and confirming the departure of his brothers, Edward and Nicolas Still, who were part of the coaching setup. While it’s unclear if they will follow him to Southampton, their departure suggests a possible reunion is on the cards.

Southampton’s relegation was a hard pill to swallow, but the appointment of Will Still offers hope for a rebuild grounded in tactical clarity and long-term thinking. With a strong academy and a core of talented players still at the club, the foundations are in place. Now, with Still’s youthful energy and progressive mindset, fans can look forward to a new chapter.

SportsLigue