From learning how to coach through the Football Manager video game to getting his team fined with every appearance, the story of Stade de Reims manager Will Still has been nothing short of crazy. From a neutral perspective, it is fair to say that the Belgian coach has overachieved as his side continues to grow from strength to strength with each passing game week. But the incredible story is not coming by for cheap. The more it continues, the more Les Rouges et Blancs pay the price.
It all started with Reims sacking Oscar García as the clubs manager in September 2022 as a result of their poor start to the season. The Red and Whites, however, decided against bringing in a new manager but rather promoted Still - then an assistant to Garcia - to take over the reins a couple of months before the World Cup. At the age of just 30, he became the youngest manager of a top flight European club.
In the five matches his side played before the break, the Belgian coach took nine points, and was able to push them up into 11th in the Ligue 1 table. Even more impressive, he has continued from where he left things ahead of the World Cup break as Reims are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches. Their most recent outing saw them secure a draw with a last-gasp equalizer at the expense of league-leaders Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on Sunday.
Still became the youngest manager in Belgian's top flight two years ago when he took charge of Beerschot at the age of just 28 and continues to make a name for himself as one of Europe's emerging coaching prospects. Nevertheless, there is a price to pay for every action as Reims are fined a staggering $27,000 every time he manages them. The is due to the fact that he is still studying for his UEFA Pro Licence and, as a result, is technically ineligible to be coaching in the top-tier of France.
With just one defeat in their last 17 matches, it is say to say that the consequence associated with Reims' decision to put their faith in Will Still is one that will barely turn a lot of heads, if any at all.
