Miguel Delaney: Young coach tipped to lead Southampton revival next season | OneFootball

Will Still in Talks with Southampton as Club Seeks Stability After Turbulent Season

Young coach considered for long-term rebuild

Southampton are in advanced discussions with Will Still over becoming their next permanent manager, as the club looks to reset and rebuild after a grim Premier League campaign. The 32-year-old is emerging as the leading candidate following his recent departure from RC Lens, where he impressed during his time in Ligue 1, according to Miguel Delaney in The Independent.

Still guided Lens to an eighth-place finish this season and signed off in style with a 4-0 win over Monaco. Speaking after the match, he confirmed his departure: “I will not be the coach of RC Lens next season. Today was my last match of the season at Bollaert.” He added, “The main reason pushing me to make this decision is the fact that I need to return home. Everyone is well aware of what has happened in my life. That’s why.”

His decision is partly rooted in family reasons. Still’s partner, Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders, was diagnosed with encephalitis in March, prompting his desire to return to England.

Southampton desperate to find direction

Following their relegation from the Premier League, Southampton are in search of leadership and identity. Russell Martin began the season but was dismissed in December. His replacement, Ivan Juric, lasted just 107 days, unable to arrest the slide that saw Saints win only two of 36 games.

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Now, with their Championship campaign looming, Southampton see Still as a young, articulate coach who brings a blend of tactical nuance and motivational clarity.

Rohl remains in the picture

While Still appears the frontrunner, Danny Rohl, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday, remains under consideration. The club is determined to secure a manager who not only stabilises performances but also reshapes the culture.

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This is exactly the sort of appointment Southampton needs: progressive, grounded, and human. Will Still isn’t just another managerial merry-go-round name. He’s shown he can work with limited resources, improve a squad, and do it while communicating with intelligence and humility.

What sets him apart is the honesty. That statement after the Monaco match wasn’t rehearsed spin. It was genuine, and fans can see through the fluff. Southampton supporters are desperate for a manager who sees the job not as a stepping stone but as a project worth investing in.

The Championship is no place for egos—it demands graft, vision, and a club-first mentality. Still ticks those boxes. At just 32, he’s relatable, adaptable, and unburdened by cynicism. If he’s given the time and the tools, Southampton might just find their way back not only to the Premier League but to a way of playing and being that fans can truly believe in again.