Southampton fans have been left stunned after the club announced the departure of Will Still following a turbulent start to the Championship season.
The 33-year-old manager, who had been hailed as a rising star in European football, could not reverse the Saints’ fortunes despite high expectations.
Disastrous Start Prompts Change
Still only took charge in May after impressive stints in France with Reims and Lens, where he gained recognition for his tactical acumen and youthful energy.
However, the move to Southampton has proved challenging.
The team sits 21st in the Championship after a 2-0 home defeat to Preston, having accumulated just 12 points from 13 games.
Fans had already voiced their frustration, chanting for Still’s dismissal during the final whistle at St Mary’s Stadium.
Club Statement and Interim Leadership
Southampton released an official statement on Sunday evening:
“Southampton Football Club can confirm that we have this evening parted ways with Men’s First Team Manager Will Still.
Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre and Carl Martin have also left their positions at the club.
Men’s Under-21s Head Coach Tonda Eckert will take charge of the team on an interim basis.”
Technical director Johannes Spors added:
“Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results.
Ultimately that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked.
By making a change now we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table.
We thank Will, Ruben, Clement and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
Struggles on the Pitch
Despite significant investment during the summer transfer window, Still could only secure two league wins from 13 games.
His brief tenure makes him the third Southampton manager to be sacked in less than a year, following Russell Martin and Ivan Juric.
After the Preston defeat, Still vowed to fight on, insisting there was no “instant fix” to the club’s problems and acknowledging the extensive work still required to rebuild the squad.
From European Prodigy to Southampton
Still first grabbed headlines as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues when he took the reins at Reims at just 30.
His early interest in coaching was partly inspired by the video game Football Manager, which nudged him toward management at age 17.
By the time he arrived at Southampton, Still had accumulated a record of 55 wins in 127 games in France, earning a reputation as one of England’s most promising young managers.
Personal Life Influences Career Choices
Still’s move from Lens to Southampton was also influenced by personal reasons.
He left France to be closer to his partner, Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders, who had endured a challenging health journey, including thyroid cancer and a summer battle with encephalitis.
“I needed to be closer to home and ultimately Emma is home,” Still said at the time.
“It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife for her well-being.”
He reflected fondly on his time in France, describing it as four years full of intense and unforgettable experiences, despite the challenges he faced.
Looking Ahead
Southampton now faces a critical period as they aim to stabilize their season under interim head coach Tonda Eckert.
The club and fans alike will hope for a turnaround that brings them back into contention for promotion, while Still’s next move in football management remains to be seen.