Southampton are set to appoint 32-year-old Will Still as their new manager in what promises to be one of the most intriguing managerial appointments of the summer. The English-born coach, who recently left French club Lens, is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Saints as they prepare for life back in the Championship. For Still, the move is more than professional—it’s personal.
A young manager with big ambitions
Will Still’s rise in European football has been anything but conventional. Born in Belgium to English parents, Still began his career in the lower tiers of Belgian football with Lierse and Beerschot before making headlines in France. At just 30 years old, he was named manager of Reims in Ligue 1, making him the youngest coach in Europe’s top five leagues at the time. His tactical clarity and leadership caught the attention of many in the football world.
After a short but notable spell at Reims, Still joined Lens in June 2024 on a three-year contract and led the team to a respectable eighth-place finish in Ligue 1. His success in France confirmed that his earlier achievements were no fluke. But with his partner recovering from a serious illness and his growing desire to return home, Still made the difficult decision to leave Lens prematurely. “Going home doesn’t mean I’m stopping living and working,” he wrote on Instagram, “I just want to be able to do it in a more controlled environment and with my family for the time being.”
The Southampton project
Still’s arrival at Southampton comes at a critical time for the club. Relegated from the Premier League with a record seven games remaining, the Saints have been in need of long-term vision and stability. The departure of Ivan Juric in April left a managerial vacuum that now looks poised to be filled by a forward-thinking, modern coach with a sharp footballing brain.
The appointment has not been without its complications. Negotiations have reportedly dragged on due to Still’s contractual obligations with Lens—his current deal was set to run until 2027—and due to his desire to bring his brothers, Nicolas and Edward, into the backroom setup. Despite these hurdles, Southampton officials are confident a breakthrough has been reached, and Still is expected to be in the stands at St Mary’s for the final match of the season against Arsenal.
Still is expected to sign a three-year deal, committing to a long-term vision that aims to return the Saints to the Premier League, but with an identity built around youth development, intensity, and tactical discipline.
Football meets family
Still’s move to Southampton is also a personal one. His partner, Emma Saunders, a well-known Sky Sports presenter, has recently been recovering from encephalitis, a serious brain infection. In interviews and social media posts, Still has openly discussed the emotional weight of being away from family during such a critical time.
“For multiple reasons, the main reason behind my decision is that I need to go back home,” he admitted last week. This honest and heartfelt explanation has resonated with fans and colleagues alike, painting a picture of a man who values not only his professional growth but also his personal responsibilities.
Bringing his brothers on board as part of the backroom staff further emphasizes Still’s desire to create an environment of trust and familiarity—something that could play a key role in Southampton’s resurgence. Football has always been a family affair for the Stills, and now that unity could be at the heart of a new era at St Mary’s.
A bold bet with long-term vision
Appointing Will Still is not without risk. He is young, has never coached in England, and will take over a team that has been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of identity. But for Southampton, this may be the kind of bold, modern appointment that the club desperately needs. Still is known for his meticulous preparation, modern training methods, and ability to connect with younger players—an asset for a club with a strong academy tradition. If given time and support, his philosophy could align well with Southampton’s long-term goals.
The Saints had previously been linked with Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl, but financial constraints around compensation for a Championship rival reportedly made that move untenable. Still, by contrast, offers high upside and relatively low financial risk, making him a compelling alternative.
Turning the page at St Mary’s
Southampton’s relegation was not just a drop in league status—it was a symbolic end to an era. Years of managerial changes, underwhelming transfers, and inconsistent performances had finally caught up with them. In many ways, the appointment of Will Still represents more than a managerial change; it signals a shift in how the club wants to build for the future.
For Still, it’s the next chapter in an already fascinating career—one where youth and clarity of purpose have propelled him to the top tiers of European football. For Southampton, it’s a reset button, one that brings a fresh voice and a new direction. With the managerial deal all but confirmed, all eyes now turn to how Still will adapt to the Championship and what changes he’ll bring to a squad that has lost its way. His journey home is more than just a relocation—it’s the start of something that could redefine both his career and Southampton’s future.
