From Computer Games to Holding Neymar and Mbappe Scoreless: The Improbable Story of Will Still
Some bonus content to finish off the month of February and welcome in March. Enjoy!
Background
Will Still, 30 years old and the current manager of Ligue 1 side Reims, has an improbable journey to coaching that I think a lot of you would find interesting.
Still grew up both a player and massive fan of the game of Football. In his free time, he would play the computer game Football Manager. This is basically a simulation game in which the user is creating and managing a team while attempting to win the league. More on this later.
After playing at a Belgian University, Still realized he wanted to chase a career in Football, but not as a player. He saw that there were numerous facets to the game that provide careers - Trainer, Data Analysis, Coach, etc.
Upon graduation, Still did what any broke graduate would do - knock on employer’s doors unannounced and offer to work for free.
Seriously, this is how he secured his first job at Belgian side Sint-Truiden as a film analyst.
“I’m young and I’m no one,” I’d say. “But I’ve got experience at Preston, and I’ve got expertise from college. Can I, in any way, shape or form, be of any help?” It was no after no after no. Door after door shut in my face. Some people said they would call me in two weeks, but I never heard back from them. I was starting to lose hope. - Will Still
Still filmed a random game in the middle of nowhere in Belgium. How he didn’t have a mid-life crisis wondering what the hell he was doing in a Belgian field is beyond me, but props to him for sticking through it.
After filming, Still spent days analyzing and clipping the film for the coaching staff. Upon reviewing his work, they were extremely impressed and offered to hire him.
Still worked his way up to assistant manager, where he operated in this role for three years.
It was when the manager at the time was sacked that Still caught his big break. At 24, he became head manager, which was a tall task for someone that young.
It’s almost laughable to imagine myself doing a similar role; having 0 professional playing experience telling veterans ten years older than me what to do.
Somehow, Still was able to bring the side from second to last to middle of the table. Even when he had achieved his dream of becoming a first team manager, he still played Football Manager and experimented with different coaching techniques.
We got into building a squad, picking a team, organising training, making sure the team was going in the right direction – all of the details. There was nothing better than that, even if it was virtual! And then here I was, doing it for real. I remember, when I was at Sint-Truiden, I was trying to win the league with them in the game as well! - Will Still
After several years at Sint-Truiden, Still joined French side Reims as an assistant. Again, years into his tenure, the manager was fired, and Still became the interim manager. He had a trial period of six games to get the most points possible and he survived.
He is now the head coach at 30 years old, and battling with the likes of Neymar, Mbappe, Messi, and Sergio Ramos. To think that someone who was playing a simulated game in his parents’ home is now walking out of the tunnel standing next to the best of the best is mind boggling.
Imagine being an opposing coach with an extensive career in managing and you’re losing 3-0 to a guy who got his experience from a PC.
And, I haven’t even said the best part. Still does not have the coaching certifications needed for Ligue 1, meaning that Reims is fined 25,000 Euros per match.
They sit tenth in the league, and held PSG to a 0-0 draw earlier this season.
I think this story highlights a couple of things that demonstrate why football is the greatest sport on the planet.
Taking a Chance on People
The footballing industry doesn’t care about your background, where you’re from, race, etc. What does matter are results and one’s abilities.
Clubs scout talent from all over the world, in every possible way. Teams can have both players from remote African villages and the suburbs of the United States. Football has the power overcome all boundaries, and I think this story shows that.
Yes, Still had an unorthodox journey and some luck on his side. But as long as he is performing, who cares? I’d argue that stories like this are less heard of in American sports, where there are more rigorous paths in place for coaches and players.
There is also much less risk tolerance which is why its rare to see young managers.
Love of the Game
I touched on it earlier, but man is it admirable how Still stuck to his gut and grinded through those earlier days at Sint-Truiden. It’s reasonable to assume it’s near impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you’re working for free and filming matches in rural Belgium. I’d be willing to bet most young professionals nowadays would quit long before Still was promoted.
What got him through those tough times where he was bottom of the totem pole was his passion for football. People are willing to go to extremes for football, and this story really reinforces this point.
It shows the value of first identifying what in life gives you energy, and then going after said thing with all of your being. He most likely didn’t know whether or not things would work out, but hey, at least he was doing what he loves. And to that, we have to show respect, regardless of the outcome.
That’s somewhat of the reason I chose to start this Newsletter. No, I’m not giving everything up to do this full-time. Nor do I expect any monetary reward in the slightest for my work. But football has obviously played a big part in my life, and it gives me energy/excitement to research and write about it.
I think it’s important for everyone to find something that has this effect to some degree. Life can easily get regimented and boring. Having something that pushes one’s comfort zone at the very least spices things up.
Again, if this can help just a couple of people fall in love with the game and see how great the sport is, then I’ll be more than happy with this Newsletter.
I hope you guys enjoy reading my work along the way, and thank you always for the support.
That does it for the bonus content. Also, if you haven’t already, share this with someone!
Damn this is funny and an unpredictable start to a career saga.