Home Sports Will Still leaves Reims: the 31-year-old English coach, whose career began with a video game, leaves the French first division by mutual agreement

Will Still leaves Reims: the 31-year-old English coach, whose career began with a video game, leaves the French first division by mutual agreement

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Will Still has left his position as coach of Reims by mutual agreement, the Ligue 1 team announced
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Will Still will leave his position as coach of Reims with immediate effect, the Ligue 1 team has announced.

The 31-year-old has impressed for the French team since taking over in 2022.

Still met with Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot and general director Mathieu Lacour on Thursday, where it was agreed that he will not continue as head coach next season.

The club confirms that the English coach, as well as his brother and his assistant Nicolás, have left by mutual agreement.

“I thank Stade de Reims, President Caillot and Mathieu Lacour for giving me this unique opportunity and for supporting me throughout my journey here,” Still said.

Will Still has left his position as coach of Reims by mutual agreement, the Ligue 1 team announced

Still and his assistant and brother Nicolás (right) agreed to leave after a meeting with the club

Still and his assistant and brother Nicolás (right) agreed to leave after a meeting with the club

He became the youngest coach in Europe's top five leagues after taking over at age 30 in 2022.

He became the youngest coach in Europe’s top five leagues after taking over at age 30 in 2022.

“I will be eternally grateful to the Stade de Reims, as well as to everyone involved directly or indirectly with the club.

“I would like to thank in particular all the players I was able to work with, all the technical, performance, analytical, medical staff, as well as the stewards, but also and above all to all the fans of this wonderful club.

“Our 19-game unbeaten streak last season, as well as the spectacular games at Delaune, will continue to be unique moments for me.”

Still, who was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career at just 24 years old in 2017.

The 31-year-old admitted his love for coaching came about as a result of the game Football Manager.

He had still taken interim charge of Reims in October 2022, and Reims was fined €25,000 for each match while studying for his UEFA Pro license.

At 30, he became the youngest coach in Europe’s top five leagues and guided the team to 11th place.

Reims is currently 11th in the Ligue 1 standings with three games remaining this season.

Reims is currently 11th in the Ligue 1 standings with three games remaining this season.

Reims said it was

Reims said they were “proud” to have contributed to Still’s emergence as a coach

He had still led Reims to fifth place in Ligue 1, but the team currently finds itself in 11th place with three games remaining this season.

Reims president Caillot thanked the outgoing coaching team who helped take the club forward, while saying he was “proud” to contribute to Still’s emergence.

“Stade de Reims would like to thank Will and Nicolas Still for their investment and for all these beautiful emotions experienced together,” said 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 that began in 2018 and, without a doubt, has allowed the DEG to take another step, especially in the context of the internationalization of clothing.

“Will, Nico, the great red and white family thanks you and wishes you the best for the rest of your careers.”

Still told Mail Sport in 2023 that he was keen to get a chance in England in the future.

“If the opportunity arises to return to England then obviously it will be a dream,” he said. “If not, there will be something else, somewhere else.”

Still had reportedly been shortlisted by Sunderland for their managerial vacancy in December, with Tony Mowbray eventually taking over the role.

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