Importance Score: 50 / 100 🔵
Will Still Steps Down as Lens Manager to Support Partner Emma Saunders
Will Still has announced his departure from his managerial position at Lens, a decision primarily driven by his desire to relocate closer to his girlfriend, Emma Saunders. After less than a year, the 32-year-old manager is set to return to England to be with Saunders, a familiar face as a presenter and matchday reporter for Sky Sports, prioritizing her well-being and recovery.
Managerial Shift: Leaving Lens for Personal Reasons
Still’s decision marks the end of his tenure with the French club, as he prioritizes his personal life. This move has drawn attention given Still’s rising profile in European football.
Saunders’ Attendance at Final Match
Saunders attended Lens’ final game of the season, publicly showing her support. She shared a photograph of herself alongside Still on the pitch after the match, captioning it with “Bravo @wrstill.”
Health Challenges and Recovery
In March, Saunders revealed she had undergone treatment for thyroid cancer at the beginning of the season. She is currently recovering from encephalitis, a brain infection.
Emotional Farewell: Still’s Departure Announcement
Following the match, Still shared an emotional statement, expressing his decision to leave RC Lens.
- “I won’t be the coach of RC Lens next season.”
- “It was the last season, for multiple reasons. The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home. Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That’s why.”
He added, “I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I’ve been in France for four years; four years that I’ve experienced intense moments.”
“The logical choice is that I get closer to my wife for her well-being too.”
Future Prospects: Potential Return to English Football
Having spent much of his coaching career outside England, Still has been associated with various clubs in both the Premier League and the Championship.
“I haven’t signed anything anywhere yet, even if there has always been interest,” he stated.
Saunders’ Health Journey: A Public Revelation
Saunders shared a personal update on her Instagram account in March, detailing her health situation to her followers.
Instagram Post Details Health Scare
In her revealing post, Saunders thanked her boyfriend for his support during her health challenges, opening up about her condition and prompting an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues.
The caption read: ‘Hi folks. Unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago and I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain.
‘I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.
‘So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding again – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care.
‘And of course you Will Still just for being you & being there for me.’
Emma Saunders: A Broadcasting Trailblazer
Saunders has an extensive career, including work with BBC Sport, hosting women’s football coverage, in addition to her role at Sky.
Contributions to Sports Broadcasting
Acknowledged as a pioneer for women in sports broadcasting, she has also served as a stadium presenter for major events such as England international matches, the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the inaugural MLB game in the UK.
Career Beginnings
Saunders began her broadcasting career on student radio at the University of Southampton. She later joined the BBC’s reporting initiative, with a placement in London, followed by a post-graduate program and a role with Watford’s in-house channels.
First Female Stadium Announcer
She made history as the first female stadium announcer at a Premier League club and simultaneously broadened her career at Sky and the BBC.
Will Still’s Rise to Prominence
Still gained widespread attention when he became the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues while managing Reims in France at age 30. A photo of the couple emerged during Euro 2024 alongside emojis of football and heart.
Monday Night Football Appearance
Still, who was born in Belgium to English parents, recently made a guest appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football program.