Will Still is free to join Sunderland without the Black Cats paying compensation after leaving Reims yesterday.
The 31-year-old head coach announced that he is leaving the French team by mutual agreement and is now a free agent. He is still expected to be headed to the championship. He was the leading contender to succeed Tony Mowbray in December.
However, he signed a new contract at Reims and Sunderland limped to the end of the season with Michael Beale, then appointed Michael Dodds as interim manager.
Sunderland are scouring Europe for a young manager who can develop their promising kids, including Jobe Bellingham, and spark promotion. It is unclear whether Still’s departure is linked to Sunderland wanting to announce a new boss immediately after the season ends next week.
Yet a Belgian born to English parents is at the top of Sunderland’s wanted list, alongside Bayern Munich U19 coach René Maric and Paul Heckinbottom also present.
He has been in charge of Stade Auguste Delaune since October 2022 and signed a two-year contract extension last summer, but leaves with his assistant, his younger brother Nicolas.
A press release published on the club’s official website states: “Following a meeting held this morning between president Jean-Pierre Caillot, general manager Mathieu Lacour and head coach Will Still, it was mutually agreed that the two parties would not continue the sporting adventure together next season. .
“In view of this decision and in order to allow Stade de Reims to calmly consider the next financial year, it has also been decided that Will Still and his deputy Nicolas Still will retire from their respective functions as of today.”
Yet, who has previously spoken of his desire to work in England, guided his side to 11th in the table – the position they finished in last season after presiding over a 19-match unbeaten run – with three matches to be played. play.
Caillot declared: “Stade de Reims would like to thank Will and Nicolas Still for their investment and all these beautiful emotions experienced together.
“At the heart of a unique club project, known and recognized for its ability to reveal all talents, we are proud to have been able to contribute to the emergence of a coach who was able to impose his convictions and his playing identity »
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