Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Will Still as their new manager ahead of their Premier League clash with Arsenal.
The Belgium-born coach will take charge at St Mary's following the club's relegation to the Championship, with the club picking up just 12 points this term.
Still joins Southampton after leading RC Lens to an eighth-place finish in France's Ligue 1 this season. Prior to his one-year tenure at Lens, he enjoyed two mid-table campaigns with Stade Reims, establishing himself as one of Europe's promising young managers.
He now faces the challenge of guiding Southampton back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Southampton have confirmed Will Still as their new manager
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Lens finished just five points off European qualification during Still's time at the club, despite operating with significant financial constraints.
The French side managed to spin a £70million profit on transfers throughout Still's one-year tenure, making his achievement of securing a top-half finish all the more impressive.
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This success in Ligue 1 has established Still as one of the brightest coaching talents in European football, catching the attention of Southampton's hierarchy as they look to rebuild following their drop from the Premier League.
After signing his deal, Still expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: "I'm extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton.
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"There is huge potential here. We have a great opportunity to do something special. The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team."
He also addressed the supporters directly: "I can't wait to meet you, the fans. I look forward to hearing you in voice, and feeling the energy and belief at St Mary's and beyond.
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"I'm eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong; in the Premier League."
The search for a new boss was led by technical director Johannes Spors, who believes he has hired one of the brightest coaching talents in Europe.
Will Still arrives at Southampton as a permanent replacement for Ivan Juric
PA
Spors said: "Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience throughout his career, and we have been extremely impressed both by his track record and our conversations with him."
Spors highlighted Still's tactical approach as a key factor in the appointment: "What was very apparent in our discussions was the clarity of his philosophy and the identity he wants his teams to have, but also his willingness and ability to adapt to different situations as they present themselves, which will be an important quality in the Championship next season."
