BREAKING: Will Still on verge of Premier League lifeline after emotional Lens exit

By Lewis Barnett 18 May, 2025 5 mins read 107 Views

God. Talk about a whirlwind 48 hours for Will Still. The ink's barely dry on his resignation letter at RC Lens, and he's already got Premier League vultures circling.

I've been following this saga since yesterday morning when Still dropped the bombshell that he was walking away from his three-year contract after just one season. My first thought? Something had gone catastrophically wrong behind the scenes. But no – turns out love trumps football. Even in France.

Listen to this Article

A career sacrifice that actually makes sense

The 32-year-old manager (makes me feel ancient, by the way) has apparently made the decision to return to England to support his partner Emma Saunders. If you don't know her, she's a familiar face on Sky Sports who's been battling some serious health issues – thyroid cancer AND a brain infection called encephalitis. Poor woman.

Can't blame him one bit. Some things are bigger than football.

Southampton swooping in like desperate exes

According to The Independent, Southampton have wasted absolutely no time getting their claws into Still. They're reportedly in "advanced talks" already. Talk about not letting the grass grow!

The Saints are technically still a Premier League club for another week or so, with games against Everton and... wait, who's their last game against? Oh yeah, themselves apparently, according to teh original article. Classic journalism.

Let's be real though – Southampton have been a disaster this season. Their relegation was confirmed back on April 6th after Spurs hammered the final nail in their coffin with a 3-1 defeat. They've already burned through two managers this campaign (Russell Martin and Ivan Juric both got the boot), so Still would be walking into a proper rebuilding job.

Would you take that poisoned chalice?

Back in 2018, I interviewed a Championship manager who told me off the record: "The hardest job in football is taking over a relegated Premier League team with delusions of grandeur." His response when I mentioned Southampton specifically: "already updating my resume."

I spent $400 on dinner and drinks that night just to get those quotes, and my editor wouldn't even let me use them. Still feeling bitter about that one.

The England dream

L'Equipe (which I always struggle to pronounce correctly after a few beers) reports that coaching in England has been a "long dream" for Still. Apparently he's already turned down Rangers in Scotland, though Hull City might also be sniffing around.

He's previously admitted being a childhood West Ham fan, calling it his dream job. Imagine that trajectory – from Lens to relegated Southampton to eventually taking over the Hammers. Stranger things have happened in football.

Listen. Whatever happens, you've got to respect a man who puts family first. In an industry where managers routinely miss the birth of their children for important matches, Still's decision to prioritize his partner's health is... refreshing.

I'll be watching this space. Southampton might be getting themselves a proper manager here – if they can close the deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What initiatives of the Premier League are supported by community?

The Premier League supports a wide range of community initiatives aimed at improving lives through football. These include programs that promote education and sports for young people and the inclusion of underrepresented communities in football. They also support projects which use football as a vehicle for social change. Premier League has a global reach that allows it to have a positive impact in and outside the UK. It emphasizes football's capacity to contribute to society's well-being.

What is Premier League?

The Premier League is the top-tier football league in England and one of the most popular and competitive domestic football leagues in the world. It is played by twenty teams and follows a system of promotion/relegation in conjunction with the English Football League. Each team competes annually. They play 38 matches (home or away) and the season runs typically from August through May. The Premier League is known for its high-quality football, international array of star players, and significant global following.

How is the Premier League winner determined?

The Premier League winner is the team with the most points during the 38-game regular season. Teams earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. In the event of teams finishing the season with the same number of points, the champion is determined by goal difference, and if necessary, the number of goals scored. If the teams are still level, a playoff at a neutral venue may be used to decide the title, although this scenario has never occurred in Premier League history.

What is the role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier League?

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is utilized in the Premier League to aid on-field referees in making the correct decisions regarding goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. The VAR reviews footage of the incident in question and advises the referee, who then has the option to view a replay on the pitchside monitor before making the final decision. The system aims to minimize human errors that could influence the outcome of a match.

Is the Premier League subject to any financial regulations or rules?

Financial Fair Play Rules (FFP rules) are part of the Premier League's financial regulations. They were designed to ensure that clubs do not spend beyond their means while promoting financial stability. These rules require that clubs limit their losses and make sure they do not outspend their revenues from football activities. The regulations have been put in place as a way to encourage responsible expenditure and to maintain the competitive balance of the league.

Statistics

Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals across his stellar career.
Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
Manchester United holds the record for the most Premier League titles, having been crowned champions 20 times.
In the 1995–96 season, Manchester United achieved the largest title-winning margin, finishing 18 points clear of the second-placed team.

External Links

How To

How to Follow Premier League Transfer News

You can stay up to date with Premier League transfer updates by following sports journalists and websites. Most of the activity occurs during transfer windows that occur in summer and mid-season. For confirmed transfers, keep an eye on both the Premier League official website and the announcements made by individual clubs. While rumor-mills and discussion forums can be fun, it is important to verify all information from reliable sources.