Will Still leaves Reims: 31-year-old English manager, whose career was kick-started by a video game, departs from French top-flight side by mutual consent

Will Still left his role as manager of Reims with immediate effect, the Ligue 1 side have announced. 

The 31-year-old has impressed at the French side since he took on the role in 2022.

Still met with Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot and general manager Mathieu Lacour on Thursday, where it was agreed he will not continue as head coach next season.

The club confirm the English coach, as well as his brother and assistant Nicolas, have left by mutual consent.

'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.

'I will be eternally grateful to Stade de Reims as well as everyone involved directly or indirectly with the club. 

'I would like to thank in particular all the players with whom I was able to work, all the technical, performance, analytical, medical staff as well as the stewards, but also and above all all the supporters of this wonderful club. 

'Our 19-match unbeaten streak last season as well as the spectacular matches at Delaune will remain unique moments for me.'

Still, who was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career at the age of just 24 in 2017. 

The 31-year-old has admitted his love of coaching came about as a result of the game Football Manager.

Still had taken caretaker charge of Reims in October 2022, with Reims being fined €25,000 fine every match while he studied for his UEFA Pro Licence.

At 30, he became the youngest boss in Europe's top five leagues and guided the team to an 11th place finish.

Still had led Reims to as high as fifth in Ligue 1, but the side are currently 11th with three matches remaining this season.

Reims president Caillot thanked the outgoing coaching team helping to take the club forwards, while saying it was 'proud' to contribute to Still's emergence.

'Stade de Reims would like to thank Will and Nicolas Still for their investment and all these beautiful emotions experienced together,' Caillot said.

'At the heart of a unique Club project, known and recognised for its ability to reveal all talents, we are proud to have been able to contribute to the emergence of a coach who knew how to impose his convictions and his playing identity. 

'Will was one of the actors in the new cycle initiated in 2018, and has undoubtedly enabled the SDR to take another step forward, particularly in the context of the internationalisation of the locker room. 

'Will, Nico, the big Red and White family thanks you and wishes you the best for the rest of your careers.'

Still told Mail Sport in 2023 that he was keen to secure an opportunity in England in the future. 

'If the opportunity comes up to go back to England, then that's obviously a dream,' he said. 'If it doesn't, there will be something else, somewhere else.' 

Still had reportedly been shortlisted by Sunderland for their managerial vacancy in December, with Tony Mowbray eventually taking the role.