The China Mail - Premier League basement club Southampton appoint Still as new manager

The 32-year-old -- born in Belgium to English parents -- will arrive at St Mary's having guided Lens to an eighth-place finish in France's Ligue 1 this season.

His appointment was announced barely an hour before kick-off in Southampton's final match of the season, at home to Arsenal.

The south coast side are already guaranteed to finish bottom of the Premier League after managing just two wins and 12 points in total from their previous 37 league fixtures.

There had long been speculation that Still, only in charge at Lens for one season, would move to England in order to be closer to his television presenter partner Emma Saunders, who is being treated for cancer.

"I'm extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton -– there is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special," said Still.

"The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team."

Still launched his managerial career in Belgium at Lierse and Beerschot in his native Belgium before two seasons at Reims –- where he became the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues –- brought him to the attention of Lens.

A dire season for the Saints led to the departure of two managers in Russell Martin and Ivan Juric.

Still will now try to oversee Southampton's immediate return to the top flight, with the club's technical director Johannes Spors saying: "Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience throughout his career, and we have been extremely impressed both by his track record and our conversations with him.

"What was very apparent in our discussions was the clarity of his philosophy and the identity he wants his teams to have.

"But also his willingness and ability to adapt to different situations as they present themselves, which will be an important quality in the Championship next season."

M.Chau--ThChM