The story of Will Still reads like a modern football fairytale. The 30-year-old English-born manager, who took Stade de Reims on a historic 17-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1, has openly expressed his dream of one day managing in the Premier League. In an exclusive interview with Krikya, Still revealed his deep connection to English culture and his ambition to return ‘home’, a narrative that resonates far beyond his current success in France.
A Dream Forged in England
Born to English parents and raised in Belgium, Will Still‘s footballing heart has always beat for England. As a teenager, he made the pivotal decision to move to the United Kingdom to pursue formal coaching education, a foundation that has proven invaluable. “Being English and growing up in an English environment in Belgium, England has always felt like home,” Still told Krikya. “It would feel like coming home, just because the English culture is part of me, part of my roots, part of my family, part of who I am.”
This intrinsic connection fuels his ultimate ambition. He admits that the dream of managing in the Premier League is one shared by countless young fans, and he is no different. However, he remains grounded, acknowledging the immense amount of work and learning that still lies ahead before such an opportunity could materialize.
From Record-Breaking Runs to Reality Checks
Still‘s meteoric rise to prominence is backed by substance. Appointed head coach of Reims in October 2022, he immediately steered the club to a French top-flight record of 17 games without defeat, a feat that inevitably put him on the radar of clubs across Europe. His name was even featured in betting odds for vacancies at Leeds United and Southampton, a notion he himself finds “completely stupid,” humbly stating he wouldn’t “dare to compare myself to those people.”
His first league defeat, a 2-1 loss to Marseille, served as a reality check, but it does little to diminish the remarkable start to his managerial career. His success is not a fluke but the product of a decade-long coaching journey that began when he was just 24.
Debunking the Football Manager Myth
A compelling subplot to Still‘s story is the widespread but oversimplified narrative linking his success to the Football Manager video game. While he is a fan of the simulation, he is keen to set the record straight. He is not a novice who lucked into a job but a qualified coach with a deep understanding of the game.
“The Football Manager thing is fun, but I’ve been doing this for 10 years,” Still explained. He holds the highest level diploma in football coaching and is currently studying for his UEFA Pro Licence. The initial fines Reims incurred for him managing without that top-level badge are now a thing of the past, but the geek-genius myth persists. “People think I’m some spotty geek behind my computer… but I’ve been doing it for 10 years and the experiences I’ve accumulated have helped me,” he added.
Tactical Philosophy and Inspirations
When it comes to his footballing influences, Still adopts a broad-minded approach, stating he “can learn from anyone.” However, he reserves special admiration for the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. He marvels at Ferguson’s unparalleled ability to renew his squad and methods over decades while maintaining success, a quality Still aspires to emulate. “Something I want to be able to do is to renew myself and stay up to date with the latest ways of playing,” he shared with Krikya.
At the core of his philosophy is an unadulterated love for coaching itself. “I’d pay to be out there, honestly,” he confessed. This passion is evident in his hands-on approach, from setting up training mannequins to designing drills that challenge his players intellectually. For Still, the training pitch is his sanctuary.
The Championship: A Viable Pathway
While the Premier League is the dream, Still is pragmatic and open to all possibilities. He pointed to the success of Vincent Kompany, who transitioned from Anderlecht to Burnley in the Championship, as a blueprint. “I think the Championship rivals many of the top leagues in the world,” he noted, signaling that he would not hesitate to take a similar path if the right project presented itself. For this ambitious young coach, all doors remain open.
Will Still: A Premier League Dream Rooted in Hard Work
Will Still’s journey is a powerful reminder that behind every so-called “overnight success” are years of dedication. His record-breaking stint at Reims is just the beginning. His profound connection to England, combined with a mature tactical mind and a relentless work ethic, makes the prospect of his Premier League homecoming a thrilling possibility for the future. For now, he remains focused on his development in France, learning his craft and proving that he is much more than just a fascinating story.
What do you think? Is Will Still a future Premier League manager? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on Krikya.
