Will Still's recent praise of Southampton's youth talent and their project questions promotion winner Sunderland's model, whom the boss rejected last year.
Admit it or not, but many Southampton fans themselves wouldn't have expected to witness Will Still arrive as the new boss. Let alone, thinking of a Premier League fightback, which Still has recently promised the Saints supporters for.
For the Southampton fans, it isn't difficult to realize that if not for Still's green light to the Saints, it could have gone very differently for them. But truth be told, it could have been to Southampton's opposite road if not for a previous Will Still decision.
Many might not know but after leaving Reims last year, Still was in rumours of a Sunderland job next. Yes, the very same Sunderland who recently won promotion under Regis Le Bris.
Yet, for reasons unknown, Still went on to spend another Ligue 1 campaign, this time with Lens, before leaving for England this time for Southampton.
Well, as it seems this Sunderland chapter could have been over in Still's case, if not for his recent claims. Surprisingly, in his initial comments as a Saints boss, Still made some statements that hint at his reason for declining Sunderland's job last year.
Will Still makes controversial Saints claim involving Sunderland
Recently, as quoted by the Daily Echo, Still said: "I want it to be the right place with the right sporting projects and I think all that criteria was met, it's something I could identify myself to. Southampton has always had the reputation of bringing very good players through the ranks so the possibilities are sort of endless."
Honestly, there's no denying that Will Still's recent English return has been powered by his personal issues. Yet, Sunderland's model too, tends to be a crucial factor in halting Still's homecoming.
After all, for the manager, who has been fascinated by a youth-focused central project, be it in Reims, Lens and now Southampton, Sunderland naturally became a complicated destination.
Maybe, that is what has fueled Still producing talents like Abdukodir Khusanov, despite missing on what could have been his first tenure promotion with Sunderland this time.
Anyways, for Southampton, it's a win-win situation for them all over. Whether it’s Still's arrival or his subtle swipe at Sunderland, both fall in the interest of their fans, saddened after the recent Wembley final.
It hasn't even been a week for Will Still's announcement and the manager is thrashing Southampton's opponents already. Hoping the boss continues with the same spirit on the field too.