Sunderland head coach saga over as key target confirms next move

Finally, after months of links, rumours and reports - the Will Still Sunderland saga has reached a conclusion. The Belgium-born coach has put pen to paper at RC Lens, with the French top flight outfit announcing the news that Still had signed a three-year contract.

Since the sacking of former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray back in December, Still was thought to be chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ top target, however the multi-million euro compensation clause within his Reims contract was proving the major stumbling block and reason behind the club pursuing another candidate in Michael Beale.

After the axe fell on Beale’s disastrous 12-game stint with the Black Cats, the rumours circulated once more that Still - famous for his story from virtual to professional football manager - was firmly in the frame to take the reins on Wearside. Then following Still’s departure from Stade de Reims, it seemed as though the stars had aligned for the 31-year-old to become Beale’s permanent successor, up until last week, when Ligue 1 side Lens made their move following Franck Haise’s switch to OGC Nice.

READ MORE: Dan Neil targets more from Sunderland role as Black Cats star adds key element

Lens finished in seventh-place last season in Ligue 1 and will play Europa Conference League football next season as Sunderland face another year in the second tier.

Pierre Dréossi, General Director of the Racing Club de Lens, said: “We are delighted with the arrival of Will Still at the Racing Club de Lens. Will was our top priority to take up the position of coach and start the new cycle that is opening at the club. Will is not only a promising coach who has broken records, he is a unifying personality obsessed with winning. A true enthusiast, conqueror and fine tactician, Will Still left his mark on the Stade de Reims, where he obtained convincing results, notably a historic series of 19 matches without defeat. We are happy to welcome Will, his leadership and his communicative energy.”

Chairman Louis-Dreyfus stated on Friday that the head search is in the ‘final stages’, and with Dutchman Pascal Jansen now out of the running, former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior is now one of the favourites for the role.