Will Still is the manager Sunderland wanted before Michael Beale took charge, but after parting ways with the 43-year-old yesterday, Still has now re-entered the conversation.
Michael Beale left his post as Sunderland manager yesterday after recording just four wins from his 12 matches in charge.
The former Rangers boss was never the appointment that supporters wanted. They were hedging their bets on the club landing Will Still.
He is currently doing an excellent job at Ligue 1 side Reims, who are sat in eighth position in the table having recorded a win percentage of 41% with 23 wins from his 56 matches in charge.
Unfortunately, the reason behind not landing the highly-rated 31-year-old was down to the hefty €5 million (£4.28 million) compensation that the French side were demanding.
Of course, it made sense for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to end their pursuit for Still and look elsewhere.
That outcome ultimately ended in a disappointing one, but after parting company with Beale, journalist Phil Smith believes that the Belgian-born manager is very much still on their radar.
Sunderland could go back in for Will Still
Speaking on the EFL All Access Podcast, Smith tips Still to come into the conversation for the Sunderland managerial role in the summer.
He said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if they looked abroad. I think Will Still, whether they’d be able to tempt him in the summer I don’t know, but he’s very much the profile of what they’re looking for.”
With Mike Dodds placed in temporary charge, it remains to be seen whether the Black Cats hire someone before the season ends, although it makes sense to stick with Dodds and use this time to assess their options.
And Still should certainly top that list.
Will Still is the right man for the job
The highly-rated manager is doing a fantastic job at Reims and while that will naturally lead to speculation from elsewhere, Sunderland could be the perfect fit for Still.
While he’s already working with a squad that boasts an average age of 24.6, he also plays an attractive style of football that can get the best out of this talented squad.
There is a sense that if Sunderland don’t get promoted this season, they have the foundations ready, regardless if Jack Clarke departs or not, to have another shot at reaching the play-offs next season.
The likes of Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, Trai Hume and Anthony Patterson will be another year older and wiser while the money will be there, especially if Clarke is sold, to invest heavily in the playing squad.
It makes perfect sense for Sunderland to wait till the summer, pay the compensation required for Still and give him the tools to mould the squad how he likes.