Southampton FC Confirms Departure of Manager Will Still

Southampton sack manager Will Still after disappointing start

Southampton FC has parted ways with manager Will Still, citing a need for change to improve the team's performance in the Championship.

“I understand their (supporters') frustration and how angry they are with me, the players, the board...”

Southampton FC has parted ways with manager Will Still, bringing an end to his tenure at the club after just five months. Still, 33, had been appointed with a three-year contract to guide the team back to the Premier League following their relegation last season.

However, the team's performance under Still's leadership fell short of expectations, managing only two league wins in 13 games, leaving them in 21st position in the Championship. The lack of progress ultimately led to Still's dismissal from the club.

The individual in question holds the distinction of being the youngest manager in Championship history at the beginning of their tenure. Before joining the UK, they achieved success in France with Reims and Lens.

Following their departure, the coaching staff have also left the club. In the interim, the Saints' under-21 manager, Tonda Eckert, will assume the role of interim manager while the club conducts a search for a permanent successor. Speculation about potential candidates has already begun, with former managers Ralph Hasenhuttl and Russell Martin being linked to the position.

In a statement, technical director Johannes Spors said: “Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results.

“Ultimately, that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked. By making a change now, we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table.”

Sinking Ship

Things started on a high note for Saints, with a thrilling comeback win over Wrexham on the opening day of the season. However, the team's fortunes soon took a turn for the worse, as they struggled to convert chances and were plagued by defensive errors. Over the next 12 games, they managed just two wins, with six draws and five losses, including the final defeat to Preston North End that sealed manager Will Still's fate.

The individual in question holds the distinction of being the youngest manager in Championship history at the beginning of their tenure. Before joining the UK, they achieved success in France with Reims and Lens.

Following their departure, the coaching staff have also left the club. In the interim, the Saints' under-21 manager, Tonda Eckert, will assume the role of interim manager while the club conducts a search for a permanent successor. Speculation about potential candidates has already begun, with former managers Ralph Hasenhuttl and Russell Martin being linked to the position.

You may want to explore more about potential managerial candidates or recent managerial changes in the Championship.

With Will Still's departure, Southampton's hopes of a promotion challenge now rest on the shoulders of his successor, who will face a daunting task to turn the team's season around and secure a top spot in the Championship.

After the weekend loss, Still said: “I understand their (supporters') frustration and how angry they are with me, the players, the board. I know how important their football club is to them. When they get behind us it’s amazing, but we need to do enough for that to happen.”

We can confirm that we have this evening parted ways with Men’s First Team Manager Will Still.

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 2, 2025

The atmosphere at St Mary's had grown increasingly hostile, with fans voicing frustration through chants aimed at the team's tactics and a broader discontent with the club's ownership under Sport Republic.