Will Still has made an immediate return to Ligue 1, being appointed Lens' new head coach.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Still leaves Reims by mutual consent in May
• 31-year-old linked with Sunderland move
• Signs three-year deal with Ligue 1 side Lens

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 31-year-old left French top-flight side Reims by mutual consent in May after a poor run of results. However, the Belgian-born manager has now signed a new three-year deal with the Ligue 1 outfit and replaces Franck Haise – who left to join Nice earlier this month.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Still grabbed headlines in October 2022 when he became the youngest coach in Europe's top five leagues after joining Reims, aged 30. For a time at the French side, the club had to pay £22,000 ($28,000) whenever he took charge of a game because he didn't have a UEFA Pro Licence qualification. He led Reims to 11th last season and when he parted company with the Red and Whites they were in the same position. Despite being linked with Sunderland, Still now has a new French adventure on his hands.

• WHAT LENS' SPORTING DIRECTOR SAID

  Pierre Dreossi told the club's website: "We are delighted with the arrival of Will Still at the Racing Club de Lens. Will was our top priority to take up the position of coach and start the new cycle that is opening at the club. Will is not only a promising coach who has broken records for precociousness, he is a unifying personality obsessed with winning. A true enthusiast, conqueror and fine tactician, Will Still left his mark on the Stade de Reims, where he obtained convincing results, notably a historic series of 19 matches without defeat. We are happy to welcome Will, his leadership and his communicative energy to La Gaillette and Bollaert-Delelis!"

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While most of Lens' players will be off enjoying their summer break, with some heading out on international duty, Still will be preparing for the new season after a seventh-place finish last term for The Blood and Gold. Still, who previously spoke about how video game Football Manager played a part in him going into management, will link up with his players for pre-season in the coming weeks.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News