Southampton FC sacks manager Will Still amid relegation threat

Southampton has dismissed manager Will Still after a disappointing run of just four wins in 16 games, leaving the club in 21st place in the Championship and facing relegation threats. Still, appointed in May with hopes of an immediate Premier League return following his success at Lens, was unable to improve the team's performances, culminating in a 2-0 home defeat to Preston that sealed his fate. Alongside Still, key coaching staff members Ruben Martinez, Clément Lemaitre, and Carl Martin have also departed. Interim management duties have been assigned to the club's under-21 coach, Tonda Eckert, as Southampton's hierarchy seeks a long-term solution. Potential replacements include former Southampton manager Russell Martin, who is also linked to Norwich City, and Frank Lampard, currently excelling with Coventry City in the Championship; other candidates under consideration include Mark Robins, Lee Carsley, and Gary O'Neil. The club's technical director emphasized the decision was made to give the team the best chance to reverse their fortunes and climb the league table.