Will Still was appointed as Southampton manager last summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Saints were hoping that he could guide the team back to the top flight with automatic promotion from the Championship.
However, he only lasted 16 games in charge before being dismissed, with the side winning on just four occasions.
The Hampshire outfit found themselves at risk of being in a relegation battle, but are now back in the play-off places under his replacement Tonda Eckert.
Still previously managed in France with the likes of Reims and Lens, and this was his first foray into English football.
Here we take a closer look at what Still has been up to since his exit from Southampton in November of last year…
Will Still on why he won’t be managing West Ham
Will Still
Still has yet to find a new role in management since his exit from Southampton in November.
However, he has already ruled himself out of ever managing his boyhood club West Ham, who he grew up supporting.
The 33-year-old claimed that he is too emotionally invested to be able to handle taking on such a major role in his professional life.
“I don’t think I could do it because I’m too emotionally attached to the club,” said Still, via Capital Football.
“I want them to win and I want them to win as much as they can.
“I’ll focus on my career and what I can do anywhere else.”
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The Hammers are currently managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter in September after a poor start to the campaign.
The London outfit are at risk of relegation to the Championship, with the team currently inside the bottom three.
However, they are one point behind 17th-place Tottenham Hotspur with seven games to go, and if safety is secured this season, then it’s unlikely they’ll be in the market for a new manager anyway.
Still was linked with potentially taking over at Watford earlier this season as well, but instead his brother ended up taking on the role.
Ed Still has enjoyed a strong start to life at Vicarage Road, and the Hornets are now in contention for a play-off place.
Will Still’s difficult 12 weeks after Southampton
Will Still, Southampton
Still was also linked with the vacancy at Norwich City following Liam Manning’s sacking in November, but the role ultimately went to Philippe Clement.
The 33-year-old posted on social media in January about the 12 weeks following his exit, reflecting on his journey from video analyst to head coach.
He opened up on the difficulty of being sacked by Southampton, and the criticism he faced during his time at St. Mary’s, but that he is excited to take the next step in his career.
“There have been difficult personal periods and to be let go by Southampton in November was one of them,” he wrote, via Instagram.
“Did it hurt? Of course.
“I am passionate about my work as a head coach, I love the job and building something with all the people I am lucky enough to work with.
“Criticism can be harsh but it comes with the territory.
“I also know I didn’t get everything right and on reflection there are things I’d have done differently.
“But through all of this, I appreciate all the opportunities I have been afforded in this game so far and this time away has given me fresh energy, perspective and an even stronger sense of how much I know I have to give.
“I feel excited for the future, the possibilities that lie ahead and I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported me, believed in me and helped shape my career so far.”
During this 12-week period of reflection, Still also travelled to New York City, alongside his partner and Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders.
It remains to be seen when he will return to a role in coaching, although the end of the league season in the next few weeks could represent a fresh opportunity to make his comeback.
While Southampton will be hoping to earn a place in the Premier League, Still may be open to a return to the Championship at this stage of his career.
The young coach will be keen to ensure his next role lasts longer than his time at St. Mary’s, as he looks to establish himself as a top coach in the game.