Sunderland have been handed their chance to hire Will Still, with Stade de Reims confirming they’ve come to an agreement to part ways with the manager.
The club confirmed today in an official press release that following a meeting between President Jean-Pierre Caillot, General Manager Mathieu Lacour and head coach Will Still this morning it has been decided that the two parties will split this summer.
The club report that they have come to the decision to part ways with Still and his assistant Nicolas Still so that they can ‘confidently look forward to the next financial year’.
“Stade de Reims would like to thank Will and Nicolas Still for their investment and all these beautiful emotions experienced together,” said president Caillot.
“At the heart of a unique Club project, known and recognized 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.
“Will was one of the actors in the new cycle initiated in 2018 and has undoubtedly enabled the SDR to take another step forward, particularly in the context of the internationalization of the locker room. Will, Nico, the big Red and White family thanks you and wishes you the best for the rest of your careers.”
The question is whether the next step in Still’s career takes him to Sunderland, who are long-term admirers of the 31-year-old.
Indeed, it was their long pursuit of him earlier this year, which ultimately came to nothing, that seemed to lead to a break in relations between Still and Reims.
The French side certainly grew frustrated by the consistent Sunderland reports and indeed Still’s actions and comments around them and that seems to have led to their decision to part ways now despite him still having a year left on his current deal.
The ball is very much in Sunderland’s court to bring the long gestating idea to fruition, with Still now available on a free and no obstacles in their way.
Update: Fresh reports in France state Will Still will leave immediately and not at the end of the season.