French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre has named Belgo-British coach Will Still as their new head coach, the club announced on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The 33-year-old manager signed a two-year contract, which includes an additional optional year that could extend his stay until 2028.
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Still replaces Christophe Pélissier, who left the Burgundian club after securing Ligue 1 survival for the team.
Return to French Football
According to L'Équipe, Still returns to French football after being dismissed from English Championship side Southampton in November 2025.
He previously managed Stade de Reims and RC Lens in Ligue 1 before his stint in England.
During his tenure at Reims, Still became the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues at age 30.
He guided Reims to an 11th-place finish in the 2022-2023 season and a 9th-place finish the following year, which included a 19-match unbeaten streak.
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After Reims, Still moved to RC Lens for the 2024 season, leading the club to an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 before moving to Southampton.
Club's Ambitions
AJ Auxerre management noted that Still's high-intensity pressing style and top-level experience align with the club's current ambitions.
"On behalf of all of AJ Auxerre, I welcome Will Still and wish him full success in the club's project.
All the forces of AJA will be united with him so that he succeeds in his mission and continues the sporting progression of the club.
Welcome Will!" said Baptiste Malherbe, AJ Auxerre Executive.
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Still is scheduled to officially take charge of the professional squad at the start of the club's summer pre-season preparations.
