Southampton ANNOUNCE Will Still as new manager one hour before final game of the season vs Arsenal
SOUTHAMPTON have tasked Will Still with leading them back to the Premier League.
Saints have confirmed their appointment of the Belgian-born English coach, 32, on a three-year deal and the young boss has already targeted promotion.
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The announcement came just an hour before kick-off in their final game of the dismal season at home to Arsenal.
Russell Martin led the south coast side up through the play-offs last year but was dismissed in December, with Southampton going on to be relegated earlier than any club in Premier League history.
Southampton had been targeting their former assistant Danny Rohl, who will leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer.
But there is competition for the German who is taking time to make a decision on his future, causing Saints to move elsewhere.
Still, who wanted to become a coach after playing the videogame Football Manager in his youth, recently announced his decision to leave Lens in France where he also managed Stade de Reims as the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues.
He said: 'I'm extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton.
"There is huge potential here and 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.
'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.
'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.'
Still will be in attendance at St Mary's for the home clash with the Gunners.
Saints new technical director, Johannes 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.
'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.
'We were very impressed by his personality and his values, and we feel he will be an excellent fit for the culture we are looking to build at Staplewood.'
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