Copyright GIVEMESPORT
Southampton sporting director Johannes Spors is looking to Germany for potential replacements for Will Still, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has revealed. The 43-year-old executive is leading Southampton’s search for a new manager and is believed to be considering candidates from his native country for the next hire at St Mary’s. Southampton are ‘not in a rush’ to make an appointment following Still’s sacking on Sunday, with both Ralph Hasenhuttl and Russell Martin’s returns ruled out. Under-21 head coach Tonda Eckert has taken over managerial duties on an interim basis, and GIVEMESPORT sources understand the 32-year-old is among the contenders to secure the role permanently. Southampton Eyeing German Options for Next Manager Thomas, writing on X, revealed that Southampton ‘want to take their time’ to find the right manager following Still’s short stint at St Mary’s, with Spors looking towards Germany for potential candidates. Southampton parted ways with Still on Sunday, with the 2-0 defeat to Preston North End proving to be the 33-year-old’s final game in charge. The south coast club won just two of their 13 Championship games during Still’s tenure and are currently sitting 21st in the table, three points above the bottom three. Still was appointed as Southampton boss in May on a three-year deal but lasted just five months in the role, with members of his backroom staff, Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre and Carl Martin, also leaving their positions. As GIVEMESPORT previously reported, several Southampton players and staff would welcome Martin as Still’s successor, less than 12 months after the 39-year-old was relieved of duties at the club. Southampton are also admirers of Coventry City boss Frank Lampard, but the 47-year-old’s departure mid-season remains unlikely, with the Sky Blues sitting four points clear at the top of the Championship table. Stoke City boss Mark Robins is another manager Southampton appreciate internally amid his strong start to the season with the Potters, who are second in the Championship. Southampton visit Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday before hosting Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary’s on Saturday in their final two games ahead of November’s international break.
