Southampton are set to target their Championship rivals in the search for Will Still’s successor, with Frank Lampard and Mark Robins amongst the names being considered.
The Saints returned to the Championship in August after suffering one of the worst Premier League campaigns on record. They picked up just 12 points last season, a number only beaten by Derby County in 2008.
Despite that, the Hampshire-based side were still considered one of the favourites to challenge for promotion. This view was strengthened when they appointed the highly-rated Will Still in the summer.
The 33-year-old arrived as St Mary’s with a reputation as one of the hottest young managers in European football, mainly thanks to the work he had done at French top flight outfits Reims and Lens. However, his ill-fated stint at Southampton came to an end on Sunday after just 5 months.
Will Will Still still be in a job tomorrow? https://t.co/FpHh4LpOtg
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) October 22, 2025
Southampton Decide To Cut Losses
Still’s tenure started reasonably well when he picked up a 2-1 win over Wrexham on the opening day. However, his second and final victory didn’t arrive until the end of September.
With pressure reaching almost boiling point, a 2-0 home defeat against Preston North End on Saturday proved to be the final straw. An announcement confirming his departure was made last night, with Group Technical Director Johannes Spors saying:
“Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results.
“Ultimately that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked. By making a change now we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table.
“I would like to thank Will, Rubén (Martinez), Clément (Lemaitre) and Carl (Martin) for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
Saints Plot Championship-Ready Replacement
A host of names have already been linked to the vacant position, including former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick and the recently-departed Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. There’s even been rumours that Ralph Hasenhuttl could be in line for a shock return to the club after originally departing in 2022.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, it appears as if Southampton may be keen to make a Championship-proven appointment though. It is claimed that Coventry City’s Frank Lampard tops the billing, although there is also an admiration for Stoke City’s Mark Robins.
Robins was dismissed by Coventry last season, much to the disappointment of the supporters. The 55-year-old is considered a club legend after taking over the club when they were in League Two, taking them back into the Championship in 2020.
Southampton started work on list of replacements midway through last month.
Lampard has always been first-choice, but keep an eye on the likes of Stoke manager Mark Robins, England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley and Gary O’Neil – who is in the running to return to Wolves. https://t.co/JlN1mmnRL7
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) November 2, 2025
Ironically, his predecessor made the move to Stoke City in January and has also received the plaudits. The Potters have been well-versed with bottom half finishes but look on course to challenge for promotion. They are just 4 points behind the leaders with the 2 sides set to meet this weekend.
Former England interim manager Lee Carsley and ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil are also said to be in the frame, although the latter is said to be in talks over a return to Molinuex.
