Southampton sack Will Still after just 16 games in charge, ending a short and disappointing spell that has left the club hovering dangerously close to the Championship relegation zone. The 33-year-old’s dismissal comes following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Preston, which extended the Saints’ winless run to five games and sparked concerns over the team’s direction under his leadership.
The decision marks the end of Still’s brief tenure at St. Mary’s, barely five months after he was appointed with hopes of guiding Southampton back to the Premier League. Instead, the south coast club now finds itself sitting 21st in the Championship table, just three points above the relegation places and 16 behind early leaders Coventry City.
A difficult spell for Will Still at Southampton
When Southampton hired Still in May, the club hoped to rebuild quickly after relegation from the Premier League. His reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, built during impressive spells at Reims and Lens, had generated optimism among supporters. Yet, despite that promise, his time in charge proved frustratingly inconsistent.
Under his management, Southampton won just four of their 16 matches in all competitions and managed only two victories in the league. The team’s struggles at both ends of the pitch were evident — defensively frail, creatively inconsistent, and often lacking control in key moments. Saturday’s defeat to Preston was the fifth game in a row without a win, sealing Still’s fate.
The club’s hierarchy acted swiftly, confirming that Southampton sack Will Still along with his backroom staff — assistant coaches Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre, and Carl Martin. The decision, although harsh on a young manager still adapting to English football, reflects the club’s urgency to arrest their slide before it becomes a full-blown crisis.
Tonda Eckert named interim boss
Following the announcement that Southampton sack Will Still, Under-21s head coach Tonda Eckert has been placed in interim charge. Eckert will oversee Wednesday night’s clash against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road and could be considered for the permanent role depending on results.
Eckert, who is well-regarded within the club for his work developing young players, will be tasked with restoring confidence and balance to a team that has lost its rhythm. His first challenge will be to tighten a defence that has conceded 11 goals in the last five matches, while reigniting a misfiring attack that has not scored more than once in any of their last four games.
Club statement confirms departure
In a statement released on Sunday evening, the club confirmed that Southampton sack Will Still after a disappointing run of form. “Southampton Football Club can confirm that we have this evening parted ways with Men’s First Team Manager Will Still,” read the official statement. It also confirmed the departures of his coaching staff and the interim appointment of Eckert.
Group Technical Director Johannes Spors paid tribute to Still, calling him “a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results.” He added, “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.”
What went wrong for Will Still at Southampton?
The question many fans are now asking is how a highly rated coach like Still failed so quickly. Several factors contributed to his downfall. Southampton struggled to find a clear tactical identity under him — frequently switching formations between a 4-2-3-1 and a back three. The lack of consistency often left players uncertain about their roles.
In attack, the Saints were overly reliant on moments of individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play. Despite an opening-day 3-2 win over Wrexham that offered early hope, results quickly deteriorated. Poor home form also proved costly; the team have not won at St. Mary’s since that first game of the season.
Still’s preference for playing out from the back sometimes invited unnecessary pressure, especially against high-pressing teams. Defensively, Southampton conceded soft goals — an issue that persisted throughout his tenure. In total, they let in 28 goals in 16 games, among the worst defensive records in the division.
The road ahead for Southampton
With Southampton sack Will Still, the club faces yet another managerial reset. It is the third change in less than 18 months, underlining a period of instability since their Premier League relegation. The board must now decide whether to back Eckert, who has strong ties to the club’s academy, or look for an experienced manager capable of leading an immediate recovery.
Eckert’s appointment could signal a short-term focus on stability and youth integration. However, names of experienced coaches are likely to emerge in the coming days as Southampton begin their search. Whoever takes over will inherit a talented but fragile squad still adapting to life in the Championship.
The next few weeks will be crucial. The Saints’ next fixtures against QPR, Cardiff, and Swansea present opportunities to regain momentum. A strong response under Eckert could not only lift the team up the table but also help restore the supporters’ belief after a turbulent start to the campaign.
A young coach’s reputation tested
For Will Still, this dismissal will sting. His rapid rise through European football had made him one of the sport’s most talked-about young managers, admired for his tactical innovation and communication skills. Yet, the pressure and unpredictability of the Championship proved to be a different challenge altogether.
At just 33, he remains one of the youngest managers in English football and will likely have more opportunities ahead. But for now, his stint at Southampton serves as a reminder that even talented coaches can struggle when the expectations and environment demand immediate success.
As Southampton sack Will Still, the club turns the page on another short chapter, hoping that this decision can spark a revival in their push to return to the Premier League. For fans, however, patience is wearing thin — and results, more than words, will determine whether this latest managerial change brings stability or deepens their troubles.
