Southampton Football Club has decided to part ways with Will Still after a disappointing run of four wins in 16 matches. The club also announced the departure of key coaching staff members, including Ruben Martinez, Clément Lemaitre, and Carl Martin. In the wake of these changes, Tonda Eckert, the head coach for the men’s Under-21s team, has stepped in as the interim manager.
Coaching Changes Following Poor Performance
Will Still’s sacking came after a 2-0 defeat to Preston, marking a difficult period for the club. This loss followed a disappointing performance against Blackburn Rovers, who were previously positioned in the relegation zone of the Championship. During his five-month tenure, Still accrued only 12 points from 13 league matches.
Statements from Club Officials
Johannes Spors, the group technical director, expressed appreciation for Still’s efforts. He mentioned, “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.” Spors believes that this change gives the club the best opportunity to improve their position in the league.
Background on Will Still’s Tenure
Will Still joined Southampton in May, taking over the managerial role from Ivan Juric. Juric resigned following the confirmation of the club’s relegation from the Premier League with seven matches remaining in the previous season. Still was brought in with high hopes, signing a three-year contract and aiming for an immediate return to the top flight. Despite a memorable comeback victory against Wrexham in his first competitive match, Still’s record in the Championship included only two victories, with the last win occurring in September against struggling Sheffield United.
Current League Standing
Following the latest defeat, Southampton finds itself in a precarious position, sitting 21st in the Championship, just three points above the relegation zone. They trail the league leaders, Coventry City, by a significant 16 points. As the club seeks a permanent successor to Still, Tonda Eckert is viewed as a potential candidate based on his respected position within the organization.
- Wins in 16 Matches: 4
- Points from 13 League Matches: 12
- Current League Position: 21st
- Points Above Relegation Zone: 3
- Points Behind League Leaders: 16
As Southampton navigates this challenging phase, the focus will be on enhancing team performance and stability as they aim to climb the Championship table.
