Will Still

[Gloucester Saint]

4 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

And Manning. And Stephens. And BBD.

Stephens is probably staying for the final year with his broken wrist and the wages he’s on. Manning or Taylor going along with Larios, how many LWBs does one club need? BBD - we’d need a buyer even on a free with the wages and he’s had three dreadful spells at his last three clubs. Needs to get himself down to Lympstone for June and get properly fit for pre-season. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

Better choice than Rohl. (I’m sure DT is punching his screen in anger).

Roll on the summer and hopefully a huge clearout.

[Dusic]

Make up of his coaching team will be interesting, especially as Lens have confirmed his borthers have left too.

Wonder if Saints would like someone with a bit of experience in there too, and would personally be looking to keep Lallana at the club.

Thornton presumably expected to join up with RM at Leicester, so will need a GK coach too.

Spors seems pretty decisive so far so imagine it won't be too long til its all confirmed.

[coalman]

1 minute ago, Dusic said:

Make up of his coaching team will be interesting, especially as Lens have confirmed his borthers have left too.

Wonder if Saints would like someone with a bit of experience in there too, and would personally be looking to keep Lallana at the club.

Thornton presumably expected to join up with RM at Leicester, so will need a GK coach too.

Spors seems pretty decisive so far so imagine it won't be too long til its all confirmed.

Curious what Lallana has done this season to make you think he should be kept on as a coach?

[Holmes_and_Watson]

2 minutes ago, coalman said:

Curious what Lallana has done this season to make you think he should be kept on as a coach?

Our players' skin has never been so silky soft?

Neither has our defending, right enough.

[Tommy]

I'm ready to erect a Will Steele statue if his first act is telling Smallbone to get lost. 

[Wade Garrett]

6 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Will Still's RC Lens were linked in the media with a move for Sulemana as recently as January. So he may quite like him.

I think that may the case after today.

[Saint_clark]

45 minutes ago, coalman said:

Curious what Lallana has done this season to make you think he should be kept on as a coach?

I wouldn't be against him joining the youth team coaching staff to learn his craft and prove himself. 

[Saint_clark]

https://news.bet365.com/en-gb/article/will-still-philosophy-formation-and-style-of-play/2025052113034439985

Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Will Still as their new manager on a three-year contract.

Born in Belgium to English parents, Still has carved out a successful career in coaching having never played the game professionally, taking up his first managerial role at just 24.

Belgium would be where he gained his early experience graduating from assistant to manager at both Lierse and Beerschot.

It's fair to assume that French football expert Julien Laurens was suitably impressed with Still's time as a coach in Ligue 1.

Speaking in an interview on BBC Sounds, Laurens said: "I think Southampton would be lucky to have Will Still next season.

I think he is one of the brightest young managers in Europe. There is no doubt.

"His tactical ability, man management skills, the way he conducts himself - he is a great guy to have."

Still announced he would be departing RC Lens at the end of the season with his team securing an eighth-place finish on the final day of the Ligue 1 campaign.

Lens was Still's second managerial job in France after his previous tenure at Reims.

He became the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues when he was given the job during the 2022/23 season and embarked on a record-breaking 17-match unbeaten streak.

Through his work with both Reims and Lens, Still crafted dynamic and disciplined teams that proved hard to beat.

He is not afraid to ask his team to press the opposition high in order to try and regain possession, but can also deploy a low-block with the focus on directing the opposition attack to the flanks.

In build-up he will use six players to try and beat the opposition press and leave the remaining five very high up on the pitch.

Still's idea is to drop an attacker into this space in order to receive the ball and break the press.

Versatility is the order of the day with Still deploying multiple formations through his short managerial career.

His 3-4-1-2 formation has been the preferred approach towards the end of his time with Lens, but Still has also used a 4-2-3-1 for long periods in the campaign.

During his spell with Reims, Still held a PSG side including Kylian Mbappe, Marco Verratti and Fabian Ruiz to a 0-0 draw.

Still set his team up in a 3-5-2 and they not only managed to keep a clean sheet, but they also out-shot the Parisians.

Southampton amassed just enough points to scrape past Derby's record-low Premier League points total, but the quality in their squad should yield better results in the second tier.

With their relegation, some players are expected to leave and chief amongst these is Kyle Walker-Peters, who would have provided Still with an excellent wing-back option should he deploy his three-at-the-back system.

If the Saints retain the services of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the heart of their defence looks promising for 2025/26 with Ronnie Edwards returning from a loan spell at QPR and Nathan Wood expected to stay.

Unfortunately for Southampton it looks as if Jan Bednarek and Armel Bella-Kotchap will depart meaning reinforcements may be needed.

Still should have a wealth of talent at his disposal heading into the midfield with Mateus Fernandes, Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo amongst a talented selection.

Goals from midfield have been important during his time at Lens so maybe that is an area he could look to target in the summer.

Tyler Dibling, should he stay, is going to be an important player at Southampton next season and he looks as if he would be more suited to Still's 4-2-3-1 set-up. 

Edited Sunday at 19:43 by Saint_clark

[Wsaint]

15 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

in Europe's top five leagues

Don't include that people will get upset...

[Disco Stu]

40 minutes ago, Wsaint said:

Don't include that people will get upset...

I've heard his xG stats are sensational!

Edited Sunday at 20:38 by Disco Stu

[Lord Duckhunter]

19 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

https://news.bet365.com/en-gb/article/will-still-philosophy-formation-and-style-of-play/2025052113034439985

Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Will Still as their new manager on a three-year contract.

Born in Belgium to English parents, Still has carved out a successful career in coaching having never played the game professionally, taking up his first managerial role at just 24.

Belgium would be where he gained his early experience graduating from assistant to manager at both Lierse and Beerschot.

It's fair to assume that French football expert Julien Laurens was suitably impressed with Still's time as a coach in Ligue 1.

Speaking in an interview on BBC Sounds, Laurens said: "I think Southampton would be lucky to have Will Still next season.

I think he is one of the brightest young managers in Europe. There is no doubt.

"His tactical ability, man management skills, the way he conducts himself - he is a great guy to have."

Still announced he would be departing RC Lens at the end of the season with his team securing an eighth-place finish on the final day of the Ligue 1 campaign.

Lens was Still's second managerial job in France after his previous tenure at Reims.

He became the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues when he was given the job during the 2022/23 season and embarked on a record-breaking 17-match unbeaten streak.

Through his work with both Reims and Lens, Still crafted dynamic and disciplined teams that proved hard to beat.

He is not afraid to ask his team to press the opposition high in order to try and regain possession, but can also deploy a low-block with the focus on directing the opposition attack to the flanks.

In build-up he will use six players to try and beat the opposition press and leave the remaining five very high up on the pitch.

Still's idea is to drop an attacker into this space in order to receive the ball and break the press.

Versatility is the order of the day with Still deploying multiple formations through his short managerial career.

His 3-4-1-2 formation has been the preferred approach towards the end of his time with Lens, but Still has also used a 4-2-3-1 for long periods in the campaign.

During his spell with Reims, Still held a PSG side including Kylian Mbappe, Marco Verratti and Fabian Ruiz to a 0-0 draw.

Still set his team up in a 3-5-2 and they not only managed to keep a clean sheet, but they also out-shot the Parisians.

Southampton amassed just enough points to scrape past Derby's record-low Premier League points total, but the quality in their squad should yield better results in the second tier.

With their relegation, some players are expected to leave and chief amongst these is Kyle Walker-Peters, who would have provided Still with an excellent wing-back option should he deploy his three-at-the-back system.

If the Saints retain the services of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the heart of their defence looks promising for 2025/26 with Ronnie Edwards returning from a loan spell at QPR and Nathan Wood expected to stay.

Unfortunately for Southampton it looks as if Jan Bednarek and Armel Bella-Kotchap will depart meaning reinforcements may be needed.

Still should have a wealth of talent at his disposal heading into the midfield with Mateus Fernandes, Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo amongst a talented selection.

Goals from midfield have been important during his time at Lens so maybe that is an area he could look to target in the summer.

Tyler Dibling, should he stay, is going to be an important player at Southampton next season and he looks as if he would be more suited to Still's 4-2-3-1 set-up. 

Load of old pony. 
 

Unfortunately Janny B & ABK are leaving, unfortunately isn’t the word I’d use. And he’ll have MF and Aribo to select from. Yeah, those two are really going to stay…..
 

 

[Osvaldorama]

25 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

https://news.bet365.com/en-gb/article/will-still-philosophy-formation-and-style-of-play/2025052113034439985

Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Will Still as their new manager on a three-year contract.

Born in Belgium to English parents, Still has carved out a successful career in coaching having never played the game professionally, taking up his first managerial role at just 24.

Belgium would be where he gained his early experience graduating from assistant to manager at both Lierse and Beerschot.

It's fair to assume that French football expert Julien Laurens was suitably impressed with Still's time as a coach in Ligue 1.

Speaking in an interview on BBC Sounds, Laurens said: "I think Southampton would be lucky to have Will Still next season.

I think he is one of the brightest young managers in Europe. There is no doubt.

"His tactical ability, man management skills, the way he conducts himself - he is a great guy to have."

Still announced he would be departing RC Lens at the end of the season with his team securing an eighth-place finish on the final day of the Ligue 1 campaign.

Lens was Still's second managerial job in France after his previous tenure at Reims.

He became the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues when he was given the job during the 2022/23 season and embarked on a record-breaking 17-match unbeaten streak.

Through his work with both Reims and Lens, Still crafted dynamic and disciplined teams that proved hard to beat.

He is not afraid to ask his team to press the opposition high in order to try and regain possession, but can also deploy a low-block with the focus on directing the opposition attack to the flanks.

In build-up he will use six players to try and beat the opposition press and leave the remaining five very high up on the pitch.

Still's idea is to drop an attacker into this space in order to receive the ball and break the press.

Versatility is the order of the day with Still deploying multiple formations through his short managerial career.

His 3-4-1-2 formation has been the preferred approach towards the end of his time with Lens, but Still has also used a 4-2-3-1 for long periods in the campaign.

During his spell with Reims, Still held a PSG side including Kylian Mbappe, Marco Verratti and Fabian Ruiz to a 0-0 draw.

Still set his team up in a 3-5-2 and they not only managed to keep a clean sheet, but they also out-shot the Parisians.

Southampton amassed just enough points to scrape past Derby's record-low Premier League points total, but the quality in their squad should yield better results in the second tier.

With their relegation, some players are expected to leave and chief amongst these is Kyle Walker-Peters, who would have provided Still with an excellent wing-back option should he deploy his three-at-the-back system.

If the Saints retain the services of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the heart of their defence looks promising for 2025/26 with Ronnie Edwards returning from a loan spell at QPR and Nathan Wood expected to stay.

Unfortunately for Southampton it looks as if Jan Bednarek and Armel Bella-Kotchap will depart meaning reinforcements may be needed.

Still should have a wealth of talent at his disposal heading into the midfield with Mateus Fernandes, Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo amongst a talented selection.

Goals from midfield have been important during his time at Lens so maybe that is an area he could look to target in the summer.

Tyler Dibling, should he stay, is going to be an important player at Southampton next season and he looks as if he would be more suited to Still's 4-2-3-1 set-up. 

Pretty excited about this guy  

 

…Or at least I would be, if sports republic hadn’t made me hate football and want every single player sacked 

[Smirking_Saint]

https://x.com/saintsextra/status/1926645665288827249?s=46&t=MqpubAzkQD51r3m_v775zw

 

this seems a bit odd no ?

[Matthew Le God]

3 minutes ago, Smirking_Saint said:

https://x.com/saintsextra/status/1926645665288827249?s=46&t=MqpubAzkQD51r3m_v775zw

 

this seems a bit odd no ?

RC Lens statement today says they both are leaving. Remains unclear if they will end up at Saints.

[ErwinK1961]

19 minutes ago, Smirking_Saint said:

https://x.com/saintsextra/status/1926645665288827249?s=46&t=MqpubAzkQD51r3m_v775zw

 

this seems a bit odd no ?

What did it say?

[Disco Stu]

3 minutes ago, ErwinK1961 said:

What did it say?

 

[ErwinK1961]

2 minutes ago, Disco Stu said:

 

Thanks, the link didn’t work for some reason but is now.

[Dusic]

2 hours ago, coalman said:

Curious what Lallana has done this season to make you think he should be kept on as a coach?

Just think its clear he has an influence and is respected by players. Klopp and De Zerbi absolutely raved about those traits, as did RM and he has also worked with Eng U21s.

He is hugely experienced and has played in successful high intensity teams so think he can bring something that could be of use.

Personally don't see why anything this year really impacts on the above.

[Lighthouse]

30 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Just think its clear he has an influence and is respected by players. Klopp and De Zerbi absolutely raved about those traits, as did RM and he has also worked with Eng U21s.

He is hugely experienced and has played in successful high intensity teams so think he can bring something that could be of use.

Personally don't see why anything this year really impacts on the above.

Whatever he has brought to the dressing room this season I can live without. Watching us this season, I can't for the life of me figure out what it is he has brought to the party.

[Willo of Whiteley]

Some times if you’re looking to stamp your authority it is best to bring your own team in and remove “club legends” or former players so to speak. 

Lallana would be good for the academy, I struggle to see or know what he has done to contribute to the first team, whether it be coaching or playing this season.

[CylonKing]

I'm Still not sure if this is the right decision by the club but Willing to reserve judgement until the first 5 minutes of the first pre-season friendly against a team in Europe I've never heard of before. 😉

Was thinking Rohl would be good however after reading the expert anal sys on here, I'm quite hopeful that we may have finally got the right person in this time.

Up the Saints Forever. 😇

[Dusic]

4 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

Whatever he has brought to the dressing room this season I can live without. Watching us this season, I can't for the life of me figure out what it is he has brought to the party.

Obvious point being that you cannot always see the influence because it occurs within the dressing room but certainly Dibling, Robinson, THB, Fernandes have all separately stated how much he has helped them.

 

[coalman]

9 hours ago, Dusic said:

Just think its clear he has an influence and is respected by players. Klopp and De Zerbi absolutely raved about those traits, as did RM and he has also worked with Eng U21s.

He is hugely experienced and has played in successful high intensity teams so think he can bring something that could be of use.

Personally don't see why anything this year really impacts on the above.

Thanks for the reasoned response. My fear would be that we don't carry forward the culture from this year into future seasons and for better or worse Lallana has been a part of that. The players all stated how much Russell Martin helped them too. There's a difference between being experienced and having influence and respect from the players and being a good coach. It's why I wouldn't want Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney or even Le Tissier coaching the team.

[pimpin4rizeal]

Never thought I’d id feel this happy to get out of the premier league but it’s a nice feeling today.. Still and Spors look really solid choices to start to turn things around now. With a focus on pace and power, a manager that can adapt to situations I’m actually feeling really bullish for the new season now 

[Mr X]

12 hours ago, Tommy said:

I'm ready to erect a Will Steele statue if his first act is telling Smallbone to get lost. 

Who's Will Steele? 

[Chez]

As always, I am hoping the manager will bring a wealth of player information his previous league(s) enabling us to sign some hidden gems. Hasn't happened since Koeman.

[coalman]

8 minutes ago, Chez said:

As always, I am hoping the manager will bring a wealth of player information his previous league(s) enabling us to sign some hidden gems. Hasn't happened since Koeman.

Surely you're forgetting the information that Nathan Jones and Russell Martin brought with them concerning players in the Championship? Oh wait, I see your point.

[bugenhagen]

29 minutes ago, pimpin4rizeal said:

Never thought I’d id feel this happy to get out of the premier league but it’s a nice feeling today.. Still and Spors look really solid choices to start to turn things around now. With a focus on pace and power, a manager that can adapt to situations I’m actually feeling really bullish for the new season now 

As long as it is pace and power in the same player, not pace and power like in Sulemana and Tall Paul...

[SWLondon Saint]

44 minutes ago, Chez said:

As always, I am hoping the manager will bring a wealth of player information his previous league(s) enabling us to sign some hidden gems. Hasn't happened since Koeman.

If I remember right Koeman got Pelle, Tadic, Clasie and Martina from the Eredivisie. First 2 were brilliant obviously but Clasie I think you'd have to say was a flop and Martina I only remember that incredible goal from miles out, though he was a free I think.

You could argue Martin's signings did fine in the Champ - Downes, Manning, Wood, Fraser - the problem is they all weren't good enough for the PL....

[Mr X]

It is probably still true to say that you need one team for championship promotion and another entirely new team to have any chance of staying in the premier league it's difficult as how are you supposed to suddenly get a new team? We need to get players onboard that are capable or have potential to make the step up in quality to the next level should we ever get there again.  

[bpsaint]

Hopefully this is an inspired bit of recruiting by us but I’ve been burned too many times by SR to get excited.

As mentioned previously I’ll give him my full support until he picks Baz/Stephens/Smallbone in a competitive game, if he does that it’s clear he has no idea what he’s doing.

[Give it to Ron]

3 hours ago, Mr X said:

Who's Will Steele? 

Tommys brother has a little white bull

[Turkish]

2 hours ago, SWLondon Saint said:

If I remember right Koeman got Pelle, Tadic, Clasie and Martina from the Eredivisie. First 2 were brilliant obviously but Clasie I think you'd have to say was a flop and Martina I only remember that incredible goal from miles out, though he was a free I think.

You could argue Martin's signings did fine in the Champ - Downes, Manning, Wood, Fraser - the problem is they all weren't good enough for the PL....

Claise was underrated imo, he was unlucky in he got injured pretty much soon as he joined but he was a decent player probably didn’t have the physicality to be a top player in the premier league but he was the typical player that people made their minds up straight away he was shit and nothing he did was going to change that view. 
 

Martina was a weird one got lots stick from fans but cost barely anything, was signed as a back up player which is exactly what he was 

mind you I remember Pelle getting loads of grief too, statue, hibernates in winter, flounces around etc despite him being one of the best centre forwards we’ve had in the last 25 years 

[kitch]

Apologies if it's already been shared, but just caught this. Interesting viewing.

[Fabrice29]

Think this is a much better insight into him rather than conversations with nauseating podcast hosts and/or awkward youtubers reading from a script they've stolen from said podcasts.

[SaintsLoyal]

What about his assistants ? Hopefully his brothers will be alongside if that’s what makes him tick. We certainly don’t want that manbag Judas Lallana anywhere. 

[Turkish]

He seems to love an over shirt, I’m not sure he’s going to beat Russell Martin to the Arne model gigs 

[Matthew Le God]

 

[goodymatt]

Last time we tried to build a back room staff for a manager ourselves, it didn’t go well. I wonder why his brothers aren't joining, having been released by Lens? Hopefully Spors finds the right level of support. Perhaps all agree an experienced assistant would be beneficial. 
 

Surely Tom Cleverley wasn’t at the PL2 playoff final as he’s joining as assistant? I’d imagine he wants to be the main man somewhere.

Edited Monday at 13:42 by goodymatt

[goodymatt]

 

[CSA96]

One of his brothers has a job offer to coach a team himself and the other is the video analyst. Both leaving Lens but not coming here

[Crab Lungs]

51 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Think this is a much better insight into him rather than conversations with nauseating podcast hosts and/or awkward youtubers reading from a script they've stolen from said podcasts.

That was brilliant.

The podcasts gave me an impression that he was quite nervous and lacked a bit of confidence. I’d feared he’d be gobbled up by some of the knobheads in our squad.

That was the complete opposite in that mini documentary. He’s clearly a leader, with a very human side. Evidently, in that environment, he comes alive. 
 

Pleased we have him after the faux Martin nice guy stuff. Will seems absolutely genuine.

[SaintsLoyal]

https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2024/will-still-demanded-to-be-joined-by-his-brothers-at-lens-when-negotiating-to-become-new-manager/

[Midfield_General]

On 24/05/2025 at 20:53, sockeye said:

Watched the High Performance podcast featuring him the other day. Came across as introspective without being arrogant. I like that he is prepared to adapt to get a win. Get the impression he will connect well the squad. 

Love the fact that he got his squad together and said "Lads, I'm going to be honest, we're really, really, really shit." 

I'm starting to see why they think he's right for this particular job. 

That was a really interesting listen. He's not a traditional football manager by any means, but I'm excited to see what he can do. 

[santolijador]

 

 

[Daft Kerplunk]

5 hours ago, SWLondon Saint said:

If I remember right Koeman got Pelle, Tadic, Clasie and Martina from the Eredivisie. First 2 were brilliant obviously but Clasie I think you'd have to say was a flop and Martina I only remember that incredible goal from miles out, though he was a free I think.

You could argue Martin's signings did fine in the Champ - Downes, Manning, Wood, Fraser - the problem is they all weren't good enough for the PL....

No way Alderweireld or Van Dijk, or Mane would've joined without Koeman either. 

The best thing about Still is that he has grown up in a football culture that overall produces better top level coaches/managers.  The English game is producing decent technicians, albeit often at the expense of flair, ingenuity and sheer will to win, but our top level coaches are not there.  Will Still is fortunate to have learned to coach is places that develop top coaches.

[SWLondon Saint]

3 hours ago, Turkish said:

Claise was underrated imo, he was unlucky in he got injured pretty much soon as he joined but he was a decent player probably didn’t have the physicality to be a top player in the premier league but he was the typical player that people made their minds up straight away he was shit and nothing he did was going to change that view. 
 

Martina was a weird one got lots stick from fans but cost barely anything, was signed as a back up player which is exactly what he was 

mind you I remember Pelle getting loads of grief too, statue, hibernates in winter, flounces around etc despite him being one of the best centre forwards we’ve had in the last 25 years 

I do remember the Pelle grief but was in the 'happy clappy' crowd as I was convinced he was class. Italian mate of mine said he always had ability but only really found his feet with Koeman.

Probably was a bit harsh on Clasie, but he was definitely a bit lightweight for the Prem and I seem to remember when Romeu came in that was pretty much it for him. And yeah, no bones with a decent free transfer backup like Martina.

[santolijador]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

Think this is a much better insight into him rather than conversations with nauseating podcast hosts and/or awkward youtubers reading from a script they've stolen from said podcasts.

Yeah brilliant insight, he looks great in this. 

Enjoyed the conversation 1 to 1 with that young player - I know Still is 'English' (although I've seen him refer to himself as Belgian in some interviews), but I hope he brings a bit of this 'French directness/frankness' with Saints players and has those type of conversations with those who deserve it. 

I am quite optimistic about it. Looking forward to seeing who comes in to work alongside him.

I also think that there is something to say for his ability to communicate in at least 3 languages (English, French and Dutch/Flemish) - under Martin we went pretty heavy on the domestic signings, something I assume was partly due to this heavy emphasis he put on culture (the whole matey-matey vibe he had going) - I think the Championship lends itself to being a springboard for some talented global gems (emphasis on some, not the full XI) and I hope that someone with the communication skills of WS would be able to unlock that in a wider market.

Aside from that, from this video, it is clear he communicates well with players and based on his career until now, this has shown in terms of tactical application. 

I would not be surprised to see us look to France, NL, Germany and even South America (in before, 'they don't speak french or dutch') for some signings, depending on who we move out.

 

[Matthew Le God]

4 minutes ago, santolijador said:

I would not be surprised to see us look to France, NL, Germany and even South America (in before, 'they don't speak french or dutch') for some signings, depending on who we move out.

They do in French Guiana and Suriname!