Date: 25 May 2025
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Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes
Southampton Football Club has officially named Will Still as the club’s new manager, with the 32-year-old signing a three-year contract. The appointment marks a bold and ambitious move by the Saints as they prepare for life in the EFL Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.
Still replaces Simon Rusk, who had been serving as interim manager after the club parted ways with Ivan Juric in April. Juric’s tenure ended after just 107 days, as relegation was confirmed with seven matches remaining.
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A New Era at St Mary’s
Will Still, previously in charge of RC Lens in France’s Ligue 1, confirmed his departure from the French club last week, expressing his desire to return to the UK. Speaking on his arrival at Southampton, Still shared an optimistic vision:
“There is enormous potential at this club. The vision shared with me was compelling — it’s clear that everyone involved is determined to bring this club back where it belongs, in the Premier League. I’m excited to begin building a squad with strong identity and unity.”
Still’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Saints, who are aiming to bounce back from a disappointing campaign. He-is-expected-to-be-at-St-Mary’s-Stadium-for-the-club’s-final-Premier-League-fixture-of-the-season-against-Arsenal-on-Sunday.
Club’s Leadership Backs the Appointment
Southampton’s-Group-Technical-Director,-Johannes-Spors,-expressed-strong-confidence-in-the-young-manager:
“Will is a forward-thinking, adaptive coach with significant experience for his age. His tactical clarity, combined with his leadership qualities, stood out throughout our discussions. His values align closely with the culture we’re nurturing at Staplewood.”
Spors also emphasized Still’s ability to adapt to the demanding nature of the Championship and his commitment to long-term development, both of which were key reasons for his selection.
Lens Bids Farewell to Still
French side RC Lens released a statement thanking Still for his time and dedication, praising his authenticity and resilience. Under Still’s guidance, Lens achieved an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 this season — a respectable outcome given the club’s limited resources.
Lens also confirmed the departure of Still’s brothers, Edward and Nicolas, who had been part of the coaching setup. However, it remains unconfirmed whether they will be joining him in England.
Who is Will Still?
Will-Still’s-journey-into-football-management-is-anything-but-ordinary. Southampton Born in Belgium to English parents, he grew up with a strong passion for the game — particularly the strategy side, which was fueled by the popular video game Football Manager. This interest led him to abandon his playing ambitions at the age of 17 to focus on coaching Southampton Southampton .
Still pursued his coaching education at Myerscough College in Lancashire, later earning his first role as a video analyst at Belgian club Sint-Truiden in 2014. Over the following years, he worked with clubs like Beerschot, Lierse, and Reims, steadily climbing the coaching ladder Southampton Southampton .
In October 2022, he became the youngest manager in one of Europe’s top five leagues when Stade de Reims appointed him as head coach at just 30 years old. Notably, Reims had to pay a fine of £22,000 for every match he managed without holding a UEFA Pro Licence — a testament to the club’s faith in his capabilities.
Career Snapshot: Will Still
Here’s a look at Still’s coaching career so far:
| Club | Role | Years | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sint-Truiden | Video Analyst | 2014 | First step into professional football |
| Lierse | Assistant Coach | 2017–2018 | Gained coaching experience in Belgian second tier |
| Beerschot | Assistant/Head Coach | 2018–2021 | Helped in promotion bid |
| Reims | Head Coach | 2022–2023 | Youngest coach in top five European leagues |
| Lens | Head Coach | 2023–2025 | Finished 8th in Ligue 1 |
Looking Ahead: Championship Challenge
With Southampton preparing for the 2025–26 Championship season, Still’s challenge is significant. The squad requires rebuilding, and expectations are high for an immediate Southampton return to the Premier League. However,-given-Still’s-tactical-acumen,-fresh-perspective,-and-proven-adaptability,-there’s-cautious-optimism-among-fans-and-club-officials.
The summer transfer window will likely be crucial as Still works with the board to assemble a competitive squad. He has emphasized the importance of building a cohesive team culture and earning the fans’ trust:
“I can’t wait to feel the passion of the supporters and give them a team they can be proud of. We’ll work tirelessly to bring back the energy and pride to Southampton.”
Final Thoughts
Will Still’s appointment represents a new chapter for Southampton Southampton — one defined by youthful ambition, modern football philosophies, and a shared desire to return to top-flight football. His age may raise eyebrows, but his record speaks for itself.
Now, all eyes turn to the summer preparations and how Still’s fresh leadership will shape the Saints’ journey forward.
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