Will Still speaks for the first time after becoming the new first team manager of Southampton on a three-year contract.
The 32-year-old, previously with RC Lens in Ligue 1, is recognised as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.
He led Lens to an eighth-place finish and had a notable two-year stint at Reims, including a record-breaking 19-game unbeaten run in 2022/23.
Still, born in Belgium to English parents, also coached at Lierse and Beerschot. Technical Director Johannes Spors praised Still’s innovative approach, adaptability, and alignment with the club’s culture.
Still expressed excitement about joining Southampton, aiming to build a clear team identity and return the club to the Premier League.
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Will Still on a three-year contract 😇
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 25, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Will Still as its new Men’s First Team Manager.
Still has agreed a three-year contract at St Mary’s, having most recently been in charge of French Ligue 1 club RC Lens.
The 32-year-old has carved out a reputation as one of the brightest young coaching talents in Europe, with his standing having been shaped across his impressive time working in Belgium and France.
He most recently guided Lens to an eighth-place finish in France’s top flight this season, a spell that followed a successful two years in the same league with Reims, where he became the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues and also shot to prominence after guiding the team to a record-breaking 19 games unbeaten in the 2022/23 campaign.
Prior to his time in France, Still worked as a coach in Belgium – the country of his birth to English parents – with Lierse and Beerschot.
Video: New Southampton manager Will Still arrives at St Mary’s this afternoon #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/yWr3Dufmoj
— SaintsExtra (@SaintsExtra) May 25, 2025
Group Technical Director Johannes Spors said: “Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience throughout his career, and we have been extremely impressed both by his track record and our conversations with him.
“What was very apparent in our discussions was the clarity of his philosophy and the identity he wants his teams to have, but also his willingness and ability to adapt to different situations as they present themselves, which will be an important quality in the Championship next season.
“We were very impressed by his personality and his values, and we feel he will be an excellent fit for the culture we are looking to build at Staplewood.”
Will Still said: “I’m extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton – 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 can’t wait to meet you, the fans. I look forward to hearing you in voice, and feeling the energy and belief at St Mary’s and beyond.
“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.”
2025/26 Season Tickets for our Men’s First Team are on sale to all supporters now, with a deadline of Thursday 12th June for current Season Ticket Holders to renew their seat.
With an expanded home fixture list for 2025/26, Season Tickets now offer even greater value, starting from under £20 per match for adults and around £3 per match for Under-14s.
Here’s how fans reacted as Will Still speaks for the first time after becoming the new manager of Southampton…
@saintbannerman: Out with the old shite and in with the new. Time for the best thing our club has to offer, the fans, to show what we are about in support for Will, thanks for MF, and a reason to stay. Do what we do best, sing to those who deserve it. #saintsfc proud when win, loyal when dont!
@SaintRob__: I’m so excited for next season. Can’t wait to put this one behind us. Really happy with the appointment of Will Still, looking forward to seeing what he can do. #SaintsFC
@Vince_Marcs: Really excited about this appointment especially the timing. Transfer windows ahead and a full pre-season, praying that this is finally a turning point for SR! 🙏🏽 #Saintsfc 😇🧑🏻🦰👌🏽
@tomhwilliams23: Think the neutral has to be excited about this one. Will Still is a highly rated manager, one that will be a welcome addition to #EFL. Gives a really good chance to see his sides on a much more regular basis as well. Looking forward to seeing how this one unfolds!
@LoneGeorgie:
Will Still you’re the one
Your football turns me on
We will be premier league again!
@bfgfox: A huge WELCOME TO SOUTHAMPTON to Will Still! Good luck and get to work! We have a huge job to do in the summer, in pre-season and we want promotion back to the PL! It’s a big ask but it can be done! Good luck boss!
@RhysTheSaint: Puns inbound.
@PlayzytStyle: Will still you’re the one 🥰
@juskeeprunnin: some appointment. surprised he hasn’t got a premier league job
@foy_jack: Will Still be fined 20 grand every time Southampton play.
@wellhyper: Will will still still be in charge this time next year though?
@SJB2110: Big appointment 👏 hope it can still pay off 🙏
@SaintsWarfield: So…. We are winning the Championship then
@ITFC_Alex: Annoyingly, this is a great appointment
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