How a video game enthusiast became one of Europe's youngest professional football managers
In short: William Still’s rapid ascent in professional football began not on the pitch, but through the virtual tactics of the Football Manager video game series. This digital inspiration propelled him from an amateur player to the head coach of top-tier clubs in France and England before his thirty-fourth birthday.
Born in Belgium in 1992 to English parents, Still’s path to management was unconventional. After deciding to focus on coaching at age 17, he moved to England to study at Myerscough College. His early career was defined by a blend of video analysis and assistant roles, notably at Sint-Truiden and Standard Liège. By 2017, at just 24, he was thrust into a caretaker role at Lierse, where he achieved a notable seven-game winning streak before regulatory hurdles regarding his coaching licenses forced a shift in his responsibilities.
Still’s breakthrough arrived at Reims in Ligue 1. Taking over as caretaker in October 2022, he became the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues at age 30. His tenure was marked by a historic 17-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1, a feat rarely seen in the 21st century. Because he initially lacked the required UEFA Pro Licence, Reims faced a financial penalty of €25,000 for every match he oversaw until he enrolled in the necessary certification courses.
His career has since been a whirlwind of high-profile appointments and departures. Following his time at Reims, he managed Lens and briefly led Southampton in the EFL Championship during 2025. By June 2026, he had returned to Ligue 1 to lead Auxerre. Throughout this journey, Still has navigated the complexities of international football, balancing his dual Belgian and British citizenship while managing the intense pressures of professional sports, including personal challenges alongside his partner, Emma Saunders.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Will Still
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