Will Still’s managerial prowess at Stade de Reims hasn’t gone unnoticed in England. His adeptness at transforming a modestly funded Ligue 1 outfit into a side with European aspirations has caught the attention of many.
Reports emerged in December suggesting Sunderland’s interest in recruiting Still as their next manager following Tony Mowbray’s departure. It’s believed that discussions took place between the club and Still before they ultimately opted for Michael Beale, whose brief stint ended abruptly after just 12 matches, leading to his dismissal on Monday.
Still explains in an interview with The Athletic, “It was a lot of noise for something that never really happened. There has been interest, I’m not going to lie about it. I’d rather be open and honest, and I think I was. We’ve had interest. People have wanted to talk to us. This is the reality of the situation.”
However, while the Sunderland job never became a reality, Still has been clear that his ambition is someday to return to a country that he still calls “home.” As he clarifies, “I’ve been abroad all my life, and I’ve been working in an environment that isn’t quite mine all my life. And I just want to come home.”
The Premier League is the ultimate dream’ – Will Still
What appears to be the most important factor to Still, is not so much the location or the team, but the sense that the club’s aim and approach matches that of his own. “if there’s a Championship club that’s ambitious, that wants to work in the right way and be open and honest about things, and try and push to get somewhere, then I would love to do that.”
Still continues, “Obviously, the Premier League is the ultimate dream for any manager in the world. I’m not in a rush, either… I’ve never really had a career plan. I’ve never set a timing on anything. I’ve just waited for opportunities to come up; see how it feels, see what it’s like.”
With tensions simmering between Reims and manager Will Still, the clock seems to be ticking on their partnership. The relationship has strained notably this season, particularly after a winter transfer window that saw the club opt for rebuilding instead of reinforcing their promising early-season form. Speculation suggests that a release clause worth €6 million could come into play in the summer, potentially paving the way for Still’s departure from France and a return to his native England.