Who is Will Still: From Belgium’s Dugouts to Southampton’s Sidelines? | OneFootball

Southampton were relegated as early as Gameweek 31, setting an unwanted record for the earliest relegation in Premier League history. However, Southampton urgently needs a manager who can turn their struggling team around to have any chance of promotion next season. It seems they have identified their man: current RC Lens manager Will Still.

But who is he? And why have the Saints reportedly chosen this rising star of European football to lead their return to the top flight?

Will Still’s Journey

Born on October 14, 1992, in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium, to English parents, Will Still grew up in a trilingual household speaking English, French, and Dutch, an upbringing that has helped him connect easily with players across Europe and many other nations. The young manager also comes from a football-minded family, with his brothers Edward and Nicolas also working as coaches and analysts, forming a coaching-brother dynasty.

At just 17 years old, Will began coaching as an assistant with Preston North End’s under-14s, gaining valuable early experience. His career progressed as he followed Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera to Standard Liège, where he played a key analytical role in their 2016 Belgian Cup win. At 24, Still became caretaker manager at Lierse, guiding them to a string of victories before stepping back due to lacking a UEFA licence. He led Beerschot to a strong mid-table finish in 2021 after taking over the team in Belgium’s top league. Soon after, he moved to France, joining Reims as assistant coach, then becoming head coach in 2022 at age 30, the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.

At Reims, Will’s team played with energy and flair. They went on an incredible run, staying unbeaten for 17 matches in Ligue 1, a record for the club. His style of play, with fast, attacking football and high pressing, won fans over and even impressed other coaches. Even though Reims faced fines of £22,000 due to his lack of a UEFA Pro Licence, he stayed focused on his work. Will stayed with Reims until May 2024, when he and the club mutually parted ways.

In June 2024, Will took over at Lens, replacing Franck Haise, who left for Nice. It wasn’t a small challenge. Lens, having finished seventh in the previous season, prepared to compete in the Europa Conference League. Will signed a three-year contract, and the club’s sporting director called him a “fine tactician obsessed with winning”. Fans were excited about his high-pressing style.

The 32-year-old’s time at Lens has had many ups and downs. He started strong, with Lens unbeaten in their first seven games, sitting sixth in Ligue 1. They were tough to break down, conceding no goals from open play early on. But the season got tough. In the winter, Lens sold key players such as Brice Samba and Kevin Danso, which led to significant injuries. A 4-0 loss to Auxerre in April 2025 upset fans, and Will admitted the team needed more quality.

Despite the challenges, Will has kept Lens competitive. They finished eighth in Ligue 1, missing out on European football but ending on a high with a 4-0 win over Monaco just yesterday.

Tactical Prowess

During Reims’ 19-match unbeaten streak, Reims kept 14 clean sheets and conceded only 26 goals during that stretch, second only to Lens. He quickly transitioned the team into a compact back-three setup that restricted opponents to just 1.04 expected goals per game, the sixth-best in the league.

Stats Provided by Opta Analyst

The Englishman prioritises protecting the central passing lanes. By man-to-man marking these areas, opposition sides are forced wide, where there are statistically fewer options to play forward and advance the attack. Once the ball reaches the central zones, his side instinctively reacts aggressively to win the ball and counter. His efficient and demanding coaching style is clearly effective for his players and their work ethic. After only one game against PSG, he said:

Reims emerged as one of the most direct and dynamic attacking teams in France. They ranked second in Ligue 1 for both through balls (72) and direct attacks (59), only behind PSG. Reims continued to promote swift vertical transitions, achieving an average direct speed of 2.06 meters per second, ranking fifth in the division. Even after losing top scorer Folarin Balogun, they managed to maintain offensive output, adjusting systems and player roles to keep Reims competitive. The blend of defensive structure and attacking intent underlined his ability to build well-drilled, flexible teams—traits that could prove invaluable in the intensity of the Championship.

Football Manager… But Not The Full Story

People often link Will Still’s rise in football coaching to his obsession with Football Manager and Championship Manager games. He credits countless hours on these simulations for sharpening his tactical eye and deepening his understanding of the game long before stepping into professional coaching. This passion gave him an analytical edge, helping him grasp football’s strategic side early on.

However, while the media sometimes exaggerates the importance of these games, Still himself stresses that Football Manager was just one piece of a larger puzzle. His formal coaching education at Myerscough College, real-world experience with clubs like Sint-Truiden, Standard Liège, and Beerschot, and management challenges at Reims and Lens were key to developing his tactical knowledge and man-management skills. The game sparked his interest, but it’s his work ethic, adaptability, and ability to communicate that have truly driven his success.

Player Development

Before joining Reims on loan for the 2022–23 season, Folarin Balogun had few first-team experiences at Arsenal and a modest loan spell at Middlesbrough, where he scored only three goals in 18 appearances. Upon his arrival at Reims, then-assistant coach Will Still engaged Balogun in setting personal goals. Balogun originally aimed for 10 goals that season. Under Still’s guidance, who became head coach in October 2022, the American surpassed expectations, finishing the season with 21 Ligue 1 goals, ranking fourth in the league. Still’s coaching approach focused on enhancing his striker instincts, composure, and finishing abilities. This development was evident as Balogun became the youngest player to score at least 16 goals in his first Ligue 1 season since 1960–61. Balogun’s transformation under Still’s mentorship elevated his performance and increased his market value, leading to a €40 million transfer to Monaco.

Another testament to Still’s developmental prowess is his work with Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbek defender joined Reims in 2023, and under the 32-year-old, he quickly adapted to the rigours of European football. Still’s emphasis on tactical discipline and positional awareness helped Khusanov integrate seamlessly into the team’s defensive setup, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His rapid progression to a comfortable ballplayer marked him as one of the promising young defenders in Ligue 1, eventually resulting in a move to Manchester City last January.

Connection With The Fans

He has already shown a remarkable ability to build a strong connection with fans, which is a vital quality for any manager stepping into a club with high expectations like Southampton. At Lens, supporters quickly warmed to his passion and commitment, seeing a coach who understood the game and genuinely cared about the people involved, both on and off the pitch. This connection was beautifully illustrated during a match when Lens fans revealed a banner in support of his partner, Emma Saunders, who had been battling encephalitis. This gesture highlighted the respect and affection Still had earned in short time, showcasing how his leadership extends beyond just tactics.

This human touch is something Southampton supporters can potentially take heart from. It suggests that Still won’t be a distant figure but someone who invests emotionally in the club’s culture and its people, creating an environment where players and fans feel valued and motivated. His ability to relate on a personal level could be a crucial factor in galvanising the squad during tough moments in the Championship.

Considerations That Should Be Taken

There are a few things to keep in mind with Will Still taking charge at Southampton. He’s never managed in English football before, and the Championship is known for its physicality and relentless schedule, so adapting won’t be easy. Plus, with Southampton’s squad requiring a huge overhaul, fitting his style to the players available could be a challenge. That said, his track record with developing young talent fits perfectly with the club’s focus, but he’ll need to find the right balance between pushing for promotion now and building for the future.

Another consideration is his relative youth and experience level as a head coach. While Still brings fresh ideas and modern tactics, managing the pressure of a demanding fanbase and navigating the ups and downs of a long Championship season will be a new test. His success will depend not only on his tactical know-how but also on his ability to motivate the squad and handle the off-field challenges that come with the role, especially following after the club’s worst ever performance in a Premier League season.

So, Why Southampton?

Southampton view Will Still as a key managerial target due to his tactical adaptability, which makes him perfectly suited for their Championship and long-term ambitions.

The key opinion, during this manager hunt, is that of Southampton’s Group Technical Director Johannes Spors, who was recently interviewed by TNT Sports. He was questioned on whether Southampton will lean towards the styles of a possession-heavy Pep Guardiola team or a more typical Jürgen Klopp style. The German stated:

Will’s hunger to succeed and win games, combined with his tactical versatility, makes him an ideal fit to guide Southampton back to the Premier League in their hope for promotion next season.