Will Still set for Saints job in first English role after Lens departure

Rising Talent Returns to English Football

Will Still’s journey back to England feels more like a homecoming than a calculated career move. At just 32, the English-born coach of Belgian descent has already cut his teeth in four years of top-level management in France and Belgium. From Lierse and Beerschot to Reims and most recently Lens, Still has amassed 127 games in charge with an admirable record—55 wins, an increasingly rare achievement for such a young manager.

His imminent appointment at Southampton, as reported by The Telegraph, represents not only a significant opportunity but also a deeply personal decision. After guiding Lens to a respectable eighth place in Ligue 1, Still cited personal circumstances—particularly the health of his partner, Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders—as the driving force behind his return.

“It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife,” Still told reporters. “For her well-being.”

Emotional Farewell, Bold New Chapter

Saunders’ recovery from thyroid cancer and a subsequent brain infection has brought necessary focus to family and proximity. Her presence on the pitch at Lens’ final home fixture—a 4-0 demolition of Monaco—was telling. Still stood by her side, not as a tactician but as a partner prioritising love over legacy.

“I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything,” he reflected post-match. “That’s why I need to go home.”

That moment, steeped in sentiment, doesn’t overshadow the sharp tactical mind Southampton have secured. Still’s football is progressive, disciplined, and shaped by continental experiences—lessons that could serve him well as he attempts to guide Southampton back to the Premier League.

Southampton’s Calculated Gamble

The Saints have endured a turbulent campaign, sacking Ivan Juric and temporarily handing the reins to Simon Rusk. With relegation confirmed, the club must now rebuild. That they’ve chosen Still over more traditional names—Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl was also in the frame—signals a shift toward youthful innovation.

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Still, once the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues while at Reims, carries a certain charisma. His footballing philosophy is modern, shaped by analytics and adaptability, and perhaps more importantly, underpinned by emotional intelligence that has come to define this next wave of managers.

Southampton’s deal is reported to be a three-year contract, and compensation terms with Lens are said to be finalised. What’s next is the real test: restructuring a squad bruised by relegation and reinvigorating a fanbase craving purpose.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Southampton supporter’s perspective, the appointment of Will Still feels both heartening and intriguing. On one hand, there’s an emotional appreciation for a young man making a selfless decision to be closer to his partner. That humility and maturity off the pitch are characteristics fans hope will translate into strong leadership on it.

Still’s record suggests he’s more than just a romantic figure; his time in France has earned him genuine respect. Southampton have often looked lost in recent years, lacking identity and vision. Still’s continental education, paired with his age, may bring a refreshing clarity and cohesion.

Some will worry about his lack of experience in English football, particularly in the bruising, unrelenting Championship. But risk is often the currency of revival. If the board backs him, and supporters are patient, this could be a turning point.

His arrival also signals that the club is ready to commit to a long-term project—something supporters have yearned for. After seasons of short-term thinking and managerial roulette, Still might just be the steady hand, and honest voice, Southampton desperately need.