Southampton have relieved Will Still of his managerial duties as the team slides towards the Championship relegation zone. The decision comes after just five months of a planned three-year contract for the 33-year-old, who was the youngest manager in the English Football League.
During his 13 league matches in charge, Still secured only two wins, with a single victory occurring after a stoppage-time result against Wrexham on the opening day.
SouthamptonS recent form included a 2-0 defeat at home to Preston North End on Saturday, marking their third consecutive league loss following setbacks against Blackburn and Bristol City.
The club has appointed Tonda Eckert, head coach of the under-21s team, as interim manager. Still’s assistants, Rubén Martínez and Clément Lemaitre, along with Carl Martin – a previous member of the Southampton coaching staff – have also departed.
Southampton technical Director Johannes Spors stated: ”Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results. 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.”
In a separate incident, Southampton defender Nathan Wood has issued an apology for verbally confronting supporters as he left the pitch following Saturday’s match at St Mary’s.”I’m regretful that I let my emotions get the better of me, and I take full accountability for them,” Wood said.
“I will learn from this and will do my best to improve our performances on the pitch.”
