BREAKING: Southampton appoint highly-rated boss as miserable Premier League season ends

Southampton have appointed Will Still as their new manager following their relegation to the Championship. Saints have endured a miserable season, having as the earliest side to be officially demoted, and are now planning for life back in the second tier.

Still has established a strong reputation as a coach in Belgium and France and has now taken his first job in England. The 32-year-old left Lens for personal reasons and has now signed a three-year contract with Saints.

have announced his arrival on the final day of the season, with Still sitting in the stands at St Mary's. He will take over from interim boss Simon Rusk, who was in temporary control following the .

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Still, who was born in Belgium to English parents, wanted to move back to the UK in order to be closer to his partner, presenter Emma Saunders, who has been . Saunders announced she had thyroid cancer last year and more recently had a .

Although he's spent his entire coaching career in Belgium and France, Still has a fine reputation and the job before Graham Potter was appointed to take over from Julen Lopetegui earlier in the season.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Southampton bounce back to the Premier League straight away? .

He started out at Belgian sides Lierse and Beerschot before making headlines as the youngest coach in Europe's top five leagues when appointed by Reims at the age 30 in October 2022. After joining Lens on a three-year deal in June, the French speaker led the club to eighth in Ligue 1 before voicing his desire to move to the UK.

Still will have a major rebuilding job on his hands at Southampton this summer, with the squad set to be ripped apart following relegation. Kyle Walker-Peters is among those who will leave on a free transfer, while goalkeeper , wonderkid Tyler Dibling and player of the season Mateus Fernandes have attracted interest from other clubs.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our