Big Will Still news puts Southampton FC and Hull City on red alert | OneFootball

Hull City are believed to hold an interest in Will Still to fill their vacant manager role

Southampton and Hull City are interested in appointing Will Still as their next manager, after dismissing Ruben Selles earlier this week.

That’s according to French publication L'Equipe and journalist Darren Witcoop, who have stated that the Tigers and the Saints are keen on the 32-year-old following his exit from Ligue 1 club Lens.

L'Equipe also suggests that Rangers both hold an interest in acquiring the young manager’s services too.

Southampton and Hull City eyeing up Will Still

Southampton have been on the prowl for a new man in the dugout since sacking Ivan Jurić in April, with multiple names linked with the job over the past few weeks, such as David Wagner, Eric Ramsay, according to talkSPORT.

talkSPORT have also suggested that Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has also been touted for the role, amid reports that his tumultuous spell at Hillsborough is coming to a close.

However, according to Witcoop, their primary target is Still.

Ever since making the decision to part ways with Selles, Hull City have been actively searching for a replacement. Mike White recently revealed that Antalyaspor manager Emre Belözoğlu is also in the running for the job, but reports now suggest that the Tigers are focussed on Still.

The Belgian coach has only been with Lens since the start of the season, after ending his two-year stay with Reims last year. It was with Les rouges et blancs that Still built a reputation for himself as an exciting up-and-coming young manager, in no small part thanks to the awe-inspiring 19-match unbeaten streak he guided the side through.

Speaking in a post-match press conference following Lens’ 4-0 decimation of Monaco, Still announced his exit to the French press, citing personal reasons as his main motivation for leaving.

“I will not be the coach of RC Lens next season,” announced Still. “It was our last game of the season at Bollaert (Lens’ home ground), but it was also my last.

“For many reasons. The main reason why I made this decision is the fact that I need to go home. Everyone is well aware of what has happened in my life. That's why.”

According to L'Equipe, it is also a well-known fact in France that Still has long dreamed of managing in the English game, regardless of the division. That the culture and environment have tempted him to leave his post, alongside his personal reasons too.

Southampton and the Tigers could now be set to capitalise on this situation, with the French publication specifically sourcing the pair as two of Still’s potential destinations this summer.

Will Still would be an exciting and impressive appointment for Hull

Negativity has swirled around the both St Mary's and the MKM stadium recently for a multitude of factors.

Southampton fans have been forced to endure a horrid season, where they rivaled Derby County's for the status of the Premier League's worst ever club.

Hull’s near miss with relegation left the Tigers’ faithful on edge until the final day of the season, and once safe, they saw the manager they had got behind and supported to keep them up dismissed.

Hull are now on the search for a fifth permanent boss since Acun Ilicali took over the club in 2022, a prospect filled with much doubt and questioning from the Tigers’ supporters, over what is actually going on in the decision-making process.

However, a move for Still would be sure to unite both fanbasea.

The 32-year-old has been one of Europe’s most exciting young managers across the last 24 months, and has been the target of clubs such as Rangers, according to L'Equipe.

As a result, if the Tigers or the Saints can work quickly and put together a tempting proposal, acquiring Still would be a massive statement of intent ahead of next season.

Players would want to come and work with him, keen to see how he can improve their game. Quickly, the vibe around the clubs would turn on its head, and fans would have a real reason to hold hope that their beloved teams were back on the right path.

If either club manage to pull this off, it would already be an early contender for signing of the season, and could set them up for an exciting campaign to come.