God. The Saints are moving faster than I expected. After weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes whispers (that I've been tracking obsessively since April), Southampton are finally closing in on their man.
They want Will Still. And they want him NOW.
The 32-year-old wunderkind is coming home
Southampton have been locked in serious talks with Still, who's currently walking away from his position at French club Lens. Word around teh training ground is that he's keen to be closer to family in England - which makes perfect sense given the absolute rollercoaster his career has been on lately.
I spoke with someone at St. Mary's yesterday who confirmed Still has already agreed personal terms. The club is pushing hard to have everything wrapped up before Sunday's final match against Arsenal. Can you imagine the awkwardness for poor Simon Rusk if Still's sitting in the director's box watching his future team get dismantled by title-chasing Arsenal? Yikes.
What happened to the Röhl romance?
Remember when Danny Röhl was supposedly a done deal? I certainly do, because I spent three hours writing up a profile on him last week that's now completely useless. Thanks for that, Southampton.
The Sheffield Wednesday boss had been Southampton's top choice for ages. I even put £50 on him getting the job back in April (there goes my lunch money for next week). But Röhl apparently wants more time to consider his options - including some tempting offers from Germany that might beat out a Championship slog with Saints.
Southampton weren't willing to wait around... and honestly, who can blame them after the season they've had?
Still's coaching brothers - the final hurdle
Here's where it gets interesting. While Still himself is free to leave Lens without compensation (smart agent work there), his brothers Edward and Nicolas - who form part of his coaching team - aren't in the same boat. Southampton are still negotiating those details, which is the only thing preventing an official announcement.
Listen. I've followed Still's career since his Reims days. The guy brings his brothers everywhere. It's a package deal. Southampton either pay up or risk starting off on the wrong foot with their new manager.
This season? An absolute trainwreck.
The Saints' return to the Premier League has been nothing short of catastrophic. Russell Martin couldn't cut it and was sacked in December. His replacement, Ivan Juric, didn't even make it to the summer once relegation became official.
Since then, interim boss Simon Rusk has been on damage control duty. His main achievement? Making sure Southampton didn't break Derby County's infamous record low of 11 points. Congratulations, I guess?
They did manage to set some unwanted records though - becoming the first club ever relegated with SEVEN games still to play. That's almost impressively bad.
I was at St. Mary's back in March when you could feel the resignation in the air. A friend who works in the club shop told me they'd already started planning for Championship merchandise in February. "We're selling Premier League dreams at clearance prices," he texted me after another dismal home defeat.
Will Still has his work cut out. But at 32, with his innovative approaches adn boundless energy, he might just be the reset button this club desperately needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific regulation regarding the equipment that is used during competitive football games?
It is true that competitive football matches enforce equipment regulations in order to protect players and maintain the integrity of the game. The rules of football stipulate that standard equipment is required, including jerseys with sleeves and shorts. Also, socks are required to cover the shin guards. The use of equipment or accessories that are dangerous to the player, or even their opponents, is prohibited. The rules can differ by league, and even age group.
Why is it that shinguards are mandatory for all football players?
Shin guards for footballers are mandatory as they offer vital protection to lower legs that are susceptible to injury in collisions and tackles. These guards help protect the shins, preventing serious injuries such as severe bruising or fractures. To promote safety, the governing body of football requires players to wear shin guards.
How do you choose the right football boot for your playing surface?
Selecting the right type of football boot is determined by the type surface you plan to play on. The metal studs on cleats (FG-firm ground) provide stability and traction for natural grass. Boots with small rubber studs or flat soles are better for artificial turf. Indoor courts (IN), require rubber soles that do not mark the surface.
Can the socks a footballer wear affect their performance?
Absolutely. Football socks support and protect the player's toes during intense gameplay. They prevent blisters, keep the shinguards firmly in place, and cushion the feet. Good football socks improve the comfort of a player, which in turn can influence their performance.
What are the essential pieces of equipment needed for playing football?
Basic football equipment includes a shirt or jersey, shorts and socks, shinguards, and football boots or cleats. Goalkeepers need additional gear like padded clothing and specialized gloves to protect them while diving and jumping. For safety reasons and to ensure that the rules are followed, it is important for players to dress appropriately.
Statistics
- Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
- Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.
- Research has indicated that around 60% of football-related ankle injuries could be mitigated with the correct choice of footwear.
- Around 25% of youth football players have reported using equipment that is either outdated or not suited to their position on the field.
- Globally, the demand for lightweight football cleats has risen by about 30% in the past decade, reflecting changes in player preferences and playing styles.
External Links
How To
How to choose the correct size and fit of your football cleats
For maximum performance and comfort, it is vital to get football cleats which fit properly. A correctly sized cleat should allow for about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the cleat. The cleats must fit snugly at the midfoot. There should be little or no movement of the heel. The cleat's upper portion should be snug enough to make you feel secure but flexible enough for your foot to move naturally. You should always try on cleats wearing the socks and shoes you plan to use in the match.
CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisDartsPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
