The rumoured new Southampton boss Will Still is a complete gamble for the Saints. However, there's never been a better project club for the young English manager.
Next season, Southampton has one objective in mind: return to the Premier League. It doesn't matter how the Saints do it, even if they must go through the playoff route again, they'll want to come back up at any cost.
However, before thinking about next season's strategy, the Southampton board had an important decision on their hands. They were tasked with replacing their first-team manager, after Russell Martin and Ivan Juric both left the seat this season.
Of course, Southampton is still technically in the Premier League, with one game left to be played this weekend. Against Arsenal, it's essentially an exhibition match for both teams, since neither side can move higher or lower than their respective 20th and 2nd positions.
Next Southampton boss is a total wildcard fans didn’t see coming
Over the last week or so, one name has been doing the rounds in the Southampton managerial rumour mill: Will Still. After it was revealed that the RC Lens boss would leave his current post and seeking new opportunities, Southampton seems like the perfect opportunity.
Given that Still is in the early stages of his career, it makes sense that he establishes himself in English football before joining a top, top club. Enter Southampton: the natural "stepping stone" club for both players and managers alike. We'll only use that term when it suits us, thank you...
And this is one of those situations where being a stepping stone could benefit the Saints. They need someone who's hungry to make a point, to achieve instant promotion back to the Premier League. It would be quite the way for Still to make his mark on English football and, of course, it benefits Southampton.
Taking a punt at any manager looking to make a name for themselves is always a risky call. However, for Southampton, that risk might just pay off.
After all, Still would arrive with the resources in place to take on the second tier of English football. Who knows, he may even prove vastly overqualified for the role, making a stark difference from Southampton's managers this season in the Premier League.