Southampton have parted ways with Will Still after only four wins in 16 matches.
Ruben Martinez, Clément Lemaitre and Carl Martin have also left their positions as coaching staff at the club, leaving men’s Under-21s head coach Tonda Eckert to take charge of the team on an interim basis.
Eckert is highly regarded by the club and is a contender in the search for a permanent successor, which is underway.
The 33-year-old manager was dismissed after losing 2-0 to Preston on Saturday. This followed a loss to Blackburn Rovers who had been sitting in the Championship’s relegation places before the result. Still had only managed 12 points from 13 league matches during his five-month tenure.
“Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results,” group technical director Johannes Spors said in a statement.
“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.
“I would like to thank Will, Rubén, Clément and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
Still left Lens to join Southampton in May, succeeding Ivan Juric who departed after the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed with seven games of last season still to go. He signed a three-year deal on the south coast and was targeting an immediate return to the top flight.
But after a dramatic late comeback to beat newly-promoted Wrexham in his first competitive game, Still’s side won just twice in the Championship – the latest a 2-1 win at struggling Sheffield United in September.
After Saturday’s loss they trail league leaders Coventry City by 16 points and sit 21st in the league, three points above the relegation zone.
Nov 5, 2025
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