Sunderland’s hunt for a new manager is heating up, with Football Insider revealing they’ve officially spoken to former Reims boss Will Still.
The Black Cats have been without a permanent boss since sacking Michael Beale earlier in the season, with Mike Dodds given the role on an interim basis. He ensured they remained in the Championship, and now the hunt for a new man steps up.
It was believed Still was in the running for the Norwich job, but with that now taken, Sunderland are thought to be upping their efforts to tempt him to the North East. It’s reported they had initial reservations about Still, who describes his coaching career as starting on the video game Football Manager. However, interviews have raised the belief that he would work within the current model, keeping much of the coaching and backroom staff at the club.
The 31-year-old managed French outfit Reims in Ligue 1 until recently. He stood down a few weeks ago to allow the board to “look ahead to the next financial year with peace of mind”, having initially been interviewed for the Sunderland role in December.
He has also confessed he would be open to a return to England, specifically the Championship. “I would work for a Championship team without a problem,” he said, speaking to The Athletic back in February.
“If there’s a Championship club that’s ambitious, that wants to work in the right way and be open and honest about things, and really try and push to get somewhere, then I would love to do that.
“Obviously, the Premier League is the ultimate dream for any manager in the world. I’m not in a rush, either. It’s not that, if I come to England, I have to go to the Premier League, or I have to go to this or that club. If something fits then it fits, and I’d be just as happy doing that.”
Still, born to English parents in Belgium, began his coaching career with Preston NorthEend Under 14s, later taking charge of Lierse and Beerschot before moving to Reims.
He hit the headlines after guiding the French side to a 14-match unbeaten run, including two draws with Paris St Germain.
Writer’s View
Still is one of the new breed of coaches who has come through the ranks purely as a coach rather than a player. He’s had moderate success in France, and his next move could be huge. He’s hungry to prove his coaching value, and Sunderland perhaps needs to think outside the box.
The Black Cats have been a bit of a laughing stock over the last few seasons, with their documentary and extended spell in League One. They sacked Tony Mowbray despite being in a decent position, and their next appointment needs to show certainty, strength, but also belief in the new manager.
The fact they’ve taken their time is great, and Still feels like the sort of coach that might just take them to the next level; a Premier League return, which all on Wearside are hungry for.
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