Will Still in talks to return to management six months after Southampton sack

Will Still could be offered a route back into football, with AJ Auxerre joining the race to secure his signature.

The 33-year-old has been out of work since his sacking by Southampton in November, just six months into his three-year contract.

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But Still now looks set to make a return to the dugout in Ligue 1, with two teams vying for his services.

According to Sky Sports Switzerland, Auxerre are set to rival FC Lorient in their pursuit of the Belgian-born coach.

In recent weeks, it has been reported that Still was the subject of interest from Lorient, as they look to find a successor for outgoing head coach Olivier Pantaloni.

French outlet RMC Sport claimed that negotiations had begun over a deal to see him join the Brittany-based club.

However there now appears to be a twist in the tale, with Auxerre joining the race for Still’s signature after securing their Ligue 1 status.

AJA round off the season with a 2-0 victory over Lille in Sunday, which secured them a 15th-place league finish – 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Sky report that Auxerre are now actively looking to tempt Still away from Lorient, making him their No.1 target.

The club are said to view him as having a profile that perfectly matches the playing style they plan to implement in the coming years.

Belgian journalist Sascha Tavolieri has reported that advanced discussions are underway over a deal to appoint Still at Auxerre.

Wealth of experience

Should Still be appointed by either of his potential suitors, it would mark a return to the league where he has the most experience

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Prior to taking charge of Southampton, he enjoyed success in France with Ligue 1 sides Stade Reims and Lens.

Having started his professional career in Belgium, Still took charge of Reims in 2022, guiding them to ninth and 11th-place finishes with one of the league’s lowest budgets.

After two years at the club, the young coach was appointed Lens boss in 2024, and led them to ninth position in Ligue 1.

This came despite having to sell a number of first team stars, including Leny Yoro who joined Manchester United for £52million.

Last summer, Still was presented with his big break in English football, when he was announced as Southampton’s new manager following their relegation from the Premier League.

He took over from Ivan Juric, but his time on the south coast quickly turned sour.

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After a disappointing start to the Championship season, which saw the Saints 21st after their first 16 games, Still was sacked by the club.

He managed just four wins during this time, while Southampton went on the finish the season in the top six under his successor Tonda Eckert, and face Hull in this weekend’s Play-Off Final.