Will Still named new Southampton manager

Southampton have appointed Will Still as their new manager after he agreed a three-year contract with the relegated Premier League club.

Still, 32, will arrive at St Mary’s having guided Lens to an eighth-place finish in France’s Ligue 1 this season.

“I’m extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton – there is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special,” Still said.

Still’s managerial career began at Lierse and Beerschot in his native Belgium before two seasons at Reims – where he became the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues – caught the eye of Lens.

“The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team,” Still said.

“I’m eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong – in the Premier League.”

Still will mastermind Southampton’s bid to secure an immediate return to the top flight following their relegation. They have accumulated just 12 points with one match of the campaign remaining.

A dire season at St Mary’s saw managers Ivan Juric and Russell Martin depart.

“Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience throughout his career and we have been extremely impressed both by his track record and our conversations with him,” group technical director Johannes Spors said.

“What was very apparent in our discussions was the clarity of his philosophy and the identity he wants his teams to have, but also his willingness and ability to adapt to different situations as they present themselves, which will be an important quality in the Championship next season.

“We were very impressed by his personality and his values, and we feel he will be an excellent fit for the culture we are looking to build at Staplewood.”