Former Southampton Boss Subject Of Two-Club Scrap | OneFootball

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Former Southampton boss Will Still could be back to work soon, as two Ligue 1 clubs in the shape of AJ Auxerre and Lorient are fighting to land the 33-year-old.

Still began his managerial journey with Preston North End’s academy and attracted attention with his work at Belgian second-division club Lierse.

After that, he went on to manage Reims and Lens, where he impressed with his results in the top-flight of France.

Southampton appointed Still last summer after they got relegated from the Premier League, and he signed a three-year deal at St Mary’s.

One former EFL star had high expectations when Still came to England, predicting the young manager would get a Premier League job soon during his time at the Saints.

However, he had a horrible spell at Southampton, winning only two of his 13 Championship games in charge while losing five in the process.

Southampton star Ryan Manning hailed the 33-year-old as a ‘top manager’, but the club decided to sack him in early November.

Still was dubbed a ‘great person’ by the Saints when he was relieved of his duties and he has been out of work since.

And now, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Ligue 1 pair Auxerre and Lorient are fighting to get their hands on the ex-Southampton boss.

It has been suggested that the 33-year-old is currently ‘very close’ to Auxerre, who have put Still at the top of their wish list.

Lorient could now lose out on the young manager, who is currently in advanced negotiations with Auxerre.

Les Ajaistes finished 15th in Ligue 1, while Lorient are ninth in the table, and all eyes will be on them to see who will get their hands on the 33-year-old.

Still managed more than 100 games combined at Lens and Reims and the interested Ligue 1 clubs believe that the ex-Saints boss can show his quality in the Ligue 1 ahead of the next campaign.

It remains to be seen if Still can bounce back from his Southampton spell to such an extent to make Saints regret not keeping faith with him.