History-making manager Will Still leaves Reims amid Sunderland links

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Will Still, who was being considered by Sunderland, has decided to part ways with Reims as their head coach through mutual understanding, according to an official statement released by the club.

Last summer, the British guy who was born in Belgium and at the tender age of 30 became the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues when he assumed the leadership role at Reims in October 2022 decided to extend his contract for two years. However, he and his assistant, who happens to be his younger sibling, are now leaving.

At first, Reims had to give €25,000 as a punishment every time they played a match. However, things changed when Still joined the Uefa Pro coaching license course and helped the team win 19 games in a row last season. Despite this, the team is currently in 11th place in the Ligue 1 table as they haven't been able to achieve a win since March. To make things even worse, they recently lost 4-1 to the lowest-ranked team, Clermont Foot, on Sunday.

The club's website released a statement stating that after a meeting with the president, general manager, and head coach, they came to a mutual agreement that they will not continue working together in the upcoming season.

Due to a recent determination, it has been agreed that Will Still and his assistant Nicolas Still will voluntarily resign from their positions with immediate effect. This resolution has been made to provide Stade de Reims with assurance as they plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Despite a lengthy streak without a win, Still managed to lead Reims to 11th place in the standings with only three matches left. He had previously expressed his interest in working in England.

According to Caillot, Stade de Reims wants to express its gratitude to Will and Nicolas Still for their investment and the wonderful experiences they shared together.

In the midst of a distinctive club endeavor, famous and applauded for its capacity to bring out the best in all individuals, we are delighted to have had a part in nurturing a coach who was confident in asserting his beliefs and distinct style of play.

Sunderland wanted to hire Still as their new manager after Tony Mowbray left in December, but they ended up choosing Michael Beale instead. The club had discussions with Still's representatives before ultimately making their decision.

Beale's tenure at the Stadium of Light was only two months before he left, and since February, interim manager Mike Dodds has taken over the leadership position. The hunt for a permanent manager is still ongoing.