Will Still leaves Reims managerial role

The 31-year-old Englishman, who was born in Belgium, had been in charge at the Stade Auguste Delaune since October 2022 and signed a two-year contract extension last summer, but departs along with assistant, younger brother Nicolas.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “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 confidently look forward to the next financial year, it was also decided that Will Still and his deputy Nicolas Still would step down from their respective functions as of today.”

Still, who has spoken previously of his desire to work in England, has guided his side into in 11th place in the table – the position in which they finished last season after he had presided over a 19-game unbeaten run – with three games to play.

Caillot said: “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 recognised for its ability to reveal all talents, we are proud to have been able to contribute to the emergence of a coach who knew how to impose his convictions and his playing identity.”

Still was high on Sunderland’s wish-list as they looked for a replacement for Tony Mowbray in the wake of his departure in December, but after talks with his representatives, the Championship club turned to former Rangers boss Michael Beale instead.

Beale lasted just two months and interim boss Mike Dodds has been in charge at the Stadium of Light since February with the search for a permanent boss ongoing.