Joe Aribo hasn’t played any game for Southampton in the EFL Championship this season…
Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder Joe Ayodele Aribo is set to get a third coach in eleven months after the Saints parted ways with Will Still, Soccernet.ng reports.
The one-time FA Cup winners sacked Russell Martin last December before hiring Ivan Juric, who left the club upon their relegation to the EFL Championship in May.
Martin and Juric have gone on to manage Rangers and Atalanta, respectively. While the former has been sacked from his position at Ibrox, the latter has had a poor start to life in Italy.
Southampton appointed Will Still in August, but after two wins in 13 Championship games, he was given his marching orders from St. Mary’s Stadium.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
“Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results,” Southampton published on their official website.
“Ultimately, that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked.
“By making a change now, we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table.
“I would like to thank Will, Rubén, Clément and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
Joe Aribo didn’t play a single minute under the Belgian manager, as the coach insisted the Nigerian wasn’t fit because he missed pre-season.
Lampard, others could be Aribo’s boss at Southampton
Former Chelsea and Everton manager has been linked to Southampton’s dugout, and is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Will Still, according to Graeme Bailey.
Southampton started work on list of replacements midway through last month.
Lampard has always been first-choice, but keep an eye on the likes of Stoke manager Mark Robins, England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley and Gary O’Neil – who is in the running to return to Wolves. https://t.co/JlN1mmnRL7
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) November 2, 2025
The Chelsea legend has overseen Coventry City’s upturn in the EFL Championship as they’re currently top of the English second-flight league after 13 games, losing just one.
Southampton’s Under-21s head coach Tonda Eckert is the interim boss while the club searches for a Still successor, and could be given the permanent role if he does well.
According to TalkSPORT, former Saints coach Russell Martin could also be reinstated in the coming days.
According to the report, key players in the dressing room would “welcome” the reappointment of the Scottish manager.
Despite sounding like a ridiculous proposal given his unceremonious Rangers stint, Martin is currently the bookies’ favourite to win the position.
Michael Carrick, Mark Robins, Lee Carsley and Gary O’Neil are also on Southampton’s manager shortlist, but for now, Tonda Eckert will take charge for the foreseeable future.