SHOCKING:The reasons behind Will Still’s decision to decline the job offer from Sunderland AFC have been revealed.

The former Stade Reims manager joined RC Lens less than two months after mutually parting ways with Reims. His name first surfaced as a candidate for the Sunderland job when Tony Mowbray was dismissed in December, but the club opted for former QPR and Rangers boss Michael Beale instead, a decision that proved to be a mistake as Beale was sacked just over 60 days later.

It has now been nearly four months without a permanent manager for Sunderland. Although a deal with Still seemed to be in place, he ultimately chose to return to the continent. The reasons behind his decision have now been revealed.

Will Still’s reasons for turning down Sunderland job

According to the Northern Echo, the young coach had concerns about the club’s ambition and the structure of the backroom staff he would have been required to work with. Additionally, the club believes that a more lucrative offer from Lens and the opportunity to work at a higher level in the French first division were decisive factors in Still’s decision to accept that position instead.

Previous reports from northeast journalist Craig Hope suggest that the opportunity to lead a team competing in European football was a key factor in the 31-year-old’s decision. The protracted search for Sunderland’s next head coach has been embarrassing for the club’s leadership. Adding to this, Kristjaan Speakman has been a particular focus, with some candidates reportedly hesitant due to concerns about working with the sporting director.

The club maintains a rigid approach to management, controlling transfers and limiting managers’ input. This rigidity led to frustration for Mowbray and Alex Neil, ultimately resulting in their departures. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Speakman want the new head coach to work with their existing backroom staff or bring only one assistant, which would have been problematic had they pursued Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl or Paul Heckinbottom, as noted by journalist Alan Nixon.

Sunderland fans are right to question the club’s leadership

Beale was sacked nearly four months ago, and Mike Dodds stepped down from his interim role over a month ago. While no one anticipated Dodds would replicate his success from his initial temporary stint, where he won both matches, the team’s decline in the standings has made the head coach situation even more frustrating.

The club’s stubbornness has caused its decline, especially compared to the previous season when they made it to the play-offs. This attitude has also led to capable managers like Mowbray and Neil departing and may have contributed to the difficult search for Beale’s successor. Currently, not much is going well at the Stadium of Light, but improvements are urgently needed.

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