Football Manager Fanatic's Premier League Dream

In a story that reads like a plot from the beloved Football Manager video game series, Will Still, the 31-year-old Englishman who captivated the hearts of Reims supporters with his remarkable turnaround of the club’s fortunes, has left his post after revealing his dream of managing in the Premier League.

Still’s journey has been an unconventional one, fueled by an unwavering passion for the game that was ignited by his love for the Football Manager series. Born to English parents in Belgium, he began his coaching career at the tender age of 24, with his earliest tactics and player management strategies inspired by the virtual world of the iconic game.

His meteoric rise in the coaching ranks is a testament to his dedication and unwavering belief in his abilities. After stints at various Belgian clubs, including Standard Liege and Lierse, Still found himself at the helm of Reims in October 2022, with the French club mired in a Ligue 1 relegation battle.

However, what followed was a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run that transformed Reims’ fortunes, guiding them to an 11th-place finish and earning Still widespread acclaim for his tactical acumen and man-management skills.

As the curtain fell on the current season, with Reims once again sitting comfortably in mid-table, Still made the bold decision to part ways with the club, fueled by his burning ambition to test his mettle in the Premier League – a dream he has harbored since his early days as a Football Manager enthusiast.

“I thank Stade de Reims, President Caillot and Mathieu Lacour for giving me this unique opportunity and for supporting me throughout my journey here,” Still said in a heartfelt farewell. “I will be eternally grateful to Stade de Reims as well as everyone involved directly or indirectly with the club.”

Still’s journey from virtual tactical mastermind to real-life managerial prodigy has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. His ascent through the ranks of Belgian and French football has been nothing short of remarkable, and his decision to pursue his Premier League dream is a testament to his unwavering ambition and self-belief.

As he sets his sights on the Premier League, Still’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and Football Manager enthusiasts alike, proving that with dedication, hard work, and a keen tactical mind, even the most unlikely of dreams can become a reality.

While his next destination remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Will Still’s meteoric rise has only just begun, and the Premier League could be the ultimate stage for this Football Manager fanatic to showcase his talents to the world.