Will Still is set to join Lens as their new head coach in a blow to Sunderland’s managerial search, talkSPORT understands.
The British coach had all-but agreed on a deal to join the Black Cats this summer, however the French giants have swooped in a struck a deal to recruit the former Stade Reims boss.
Still had agreed to work within the Sunderland model and was ironing out the finer details of a move to the Stadium of Light – including discussions over the retention of Sunderland’s current Backroom team – when Lens came knocking.
A keen admirer of the French side, Still will is now set to continue his managerial career in France with the side who finished seventh in Ligue 1 this term.
For Sunderland, the search for a new head coach continues after sacking Michael Beale on February 19.
Since then, first team coach Mike Dodds has been in caretaker charge of the club until such a time that a permanent replacement is appointed.
The Wearsiders will now turn their attention to a list of candidates for the role, with the club’s hierarchy prepared to wait for the right candidate for the job.
With 10 weeks until the start of the new season, Sunderland will be hoping to get the right appointment wrapped up soon.
Despite securing a play-off spot in their first season back in the Championship, Sunderland struggled to reach the standard that they had previously managed.
The Black Cats finished the season in 16th position in the second tier, with the new boss set to be tasked with pushing into play-off contention once again.
The new Championship season gets underway on the weekend of August 10.
News Summary:
- Will Still delivers fresh blow to Sunderland’s managerial search with next job already lined up
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