With fans openly calling for change, and the results are not improving, speculation around Will Still’s future is building up. If the board decides a change of direction is needed, then here are three realistic candidates who might just fit the bill
Will Still replacements that Southampton has to be considering
1. Liam Rosenoir
Liam Rosenior would be a good option if Southampton want to focus on the long term. In Strasbourg, in France and has a reputation for developing young players and having a clear tactical identity.
His style is structured but flexible, defensive organisation with attacking intent. He could bring stability and a strong philosophy to a team that’s struggled to find its identity in recent years. The main issue is his lack of top-level experience and his contract at Strasbourg, which could make it tricky in the short term.
Rosenior’s approach could be the foundation for long-term success for a club looking beyond promotion this season. Southampton’s start to the 2025–26 Championship season has been a worrying one. Sitting 20th in the league with a meager two wins from 12 games, the Saints are really struggling to hit the back of the net and are conceding way too many goals.
His approach is all about structured, possession-based football, which would help to steady the ship at Southampton, who are so far looking a little rudderless — after all they’ve scored just 12 goals so far, which is far from enough.
Rosenior’s focus on organisation and youth development might be just what Southampton needs but it’s worth bearing in mind that he’s still contracted in France, which does complicate things a bit.
2. Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers is a realistic target for Southampton. Fresh from resigning Celtic where he left in turbulent circumstances and was publicly criticised by the club's hierarchy, Rodgers' availability is an opportunity.
He’s got a great CV: back-to-back domestic trebles with Celtic, FA Cup with Leicester City and experience of delivering instant football across the British game.
He’s a possession-based coach who balances creativity and discipline - something Southampton could do with to instil structure and belief in a team trying to find its identity post Premier League. He can develop players and implement a system quickly - something the Saints could exploit to go up in a serious promotion push.
But leaving Celtic raises questions about his leadership and communication - particularly behind the scenes with a younger squad that works collaboratively. If the board want short term success and proven guidance then he’s your man.
But if the club is committed to a youth rebuild then he might not be it.
3. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is a big name who brings instant credibility and leadership. His managerial career started at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership unbeaten in 2021. He’s since managed Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
Gerrard likes an intense, attacking style that gets players and fans excited. The appeal is clear: a big football name who can motivate and inspire. The risk is consistency. His recent spells have been mixed, and he may struggle to adapt to a club that needs patience, careful resource management and a focus on youth development.
What sets him apart is that he’s gone from star player to student manager. He’s publicly taken feedback from top managers like Jürgen Klopp and Alex Ferguson, something you rarely see from ex-players at his level.
He now talks about modern, high-pressure football and relational coaching – trust, communication and adaptability. He’s perfect for a club like Southampton that thrives on young squads and emotional intelligence.
Gerrard is best suited to a board willing to take some risks for big rewards.