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Auxerre have officially announced the appointment of Will Still as their new head coach, marking the return of the 33-year-old manager to Ligue 1 just six months after his departure from Southampton. The highly regarded tactician has signed a two-year contract and aims to rebuild his standing in European football following a difficult period in England.

Auxerre have confirmed Still as their new first-team head coach following the exit of Christophe Pelissier. The young manager’s agreement includes an option to extend for an additional season, and he will take charge from the beginning of pre-season preparations. This move signals Still’s return to familiar territory in Ligue 1 after his time with Southampton, where he was dismissed at the end of last year. He arrives at the Stade Abbe-Deschamps as Auxerre continue their efforts to solidify their position in the French top division.

Still earned widespread recognition in France during his successful stint at Reims, where he rose to prominence as one of Europe’s most promising young managers. Despite his setback in the Premier League, Auxerre have acted swiftly to secure a coach whose reputation remains strong within French football. Club president Baptiste Malherbe expressed his optimism and support following the appointment.

“On behalf of everyone at AJ Auxerre, I welcome Will Still and wish him every success in the club’s project,” Malherbe stated on the club’s official website. “All of AJA’s resources will be united behind him to ensure he succeeds in his mission and continues the club’s sporting development. Welcome, Will!”

Still’s rise in management has been remarkable. After beginning his coaching career in Belgium with Lierse SK and Beerschot VA, he joined Reims and became the youngest manager across Europe’s top five leagues at just 30 years old.

His most notable success came at Reims, where his energetic pressing tactics led the club on a 19-match unbeaten run — the sixth-longest in Ligue 1 history. Under his guidance, Reims finished 11th in the 2022-23 campaign and improved to ninth the following season. Those achievements paved the way for his move to Lens, where he maintained consistent performances before taking up the managerial role at Southampton in England.

Now, as he begins his tenure with Auxerre, Still will focus on preparations for the 2026-27 season. He is expected to implement his signature high-intensity playing style and oversee recruitment efforts aimed at strengthening the squad. Auxerre hope that his experience and tactical approach will help the team move beyond battling relegation, following their 15th-place finish last season.