The 2025/26 Championship season hasn’t even kicked off, but four clubs have already made big changes in the dugout. From Football Manager-inspired stories to bold first-time appointments, here’s a look at the league’s new faces and what they could bring to the touchline this season.
Will Still – Southampton
One of the most talked-about managers across Europe, Will Still, made headlines during his time at Reims. From then, he seemed destined to manage in England, and now he gets the opportunity with his move from Lens to Southampton.
The 32-year-old coach is well known to English audiences, having made an appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. Still has also previously stated that his love for the Championship Manager and Football Manager games gave him the inspiration to focus on coaching.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Belgian-born tactician, who is fluent in French and English, arrives at the south coast with a high reputation, having had a successful stint in France with Reims and Lens.
The Saints supporters will be expecting to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, having had a dismal display in the top flight last season.
If Southampton are to keep a core of the squad from last season, however, they will be one of the favourites to achieve promotion. Given the parachute payments afforded to relegated sides, they should be able to invest in their squad to bolster their chances.
Embed from Getty ImagesLiam Manning – Norwich City
Liam Manning’s switch from Bristol City to Norwich City is potentially the biggest news from the Championship dugouts.
Norwich-born Manning led Bristol City to the playoffs last season, before they were beaten over two legs by Sheffield United. This achievement may make the move to Norwich surprising, though the Canaries should expect an exciting campaign next season.
The second of the new appointments to begin their coaching careers in Belgium, Manning first took charge of Lommel SK, who are part of the City Football Group. Manning then returned to England with Milton Keynes Dons, whom he also led to the playoffs in League One.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe moved to Oxford United in March 2023, where he impressed again before leaving for the Bristol City job in November of the same year.
Norwich will be looking for an improvement on last season, where they disappointingly finished 13th and 11 points behind Manning’s Bristol City in the play-off places.
Furthermore, new boss Manning will be hoping to lead the Canaries back to the playoffs with the hopes of returning to the Premier League after three years away.
Embed from Getty ImagesRyan Mason – West Brom
Taking up his first full-time managerial role, Ryan Mason joins West Bromwich Albion after helping Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur win the Europa League.
During his eight-year stint at Spurs, Mason had experience leading the side, being named Interim Head Coach on two occasions. During his first stint, he took charge of the EFL Cup final, which his Spurs side lost 1-0 to Manchester City.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe appointment for the Baggies may be evidence of a change of approach, bringing in a young and unproven coach. Excluding caretaker managers, the previous three English managers appointed have been Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce and Tony Mowbray.
With Mason, they have a relative unknown looking to prove himself in management. This is becoming a growing theme across the EFL, and has brought successes with the likes of John Mousinho and Alan Sheehan impressing last season.
Last season, West Brom finished four points off the playoffs, though they lost boss Carlos Corberan in December to Valencia. Mason will be expected to push for the playoff places and bring some much-needed enthusiasm back to the Baggies side.
Embed from Getty ImagesPaulo Pezzolano – Watford
Another season and another Watford manager. This time, an unfamiliar name in Uruguayan Paulo Pezzolano, who was most recently in charge of Spanish side Real Valladolid. During his time in Spain, he achieved promotion back to La Liga with Valladolid at the first attempt.
Pezzolano takes over from Tom Cleverley, who was relieved of his duties after the season, in which he guided Watford to 14th place.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother club that has recently seen themselves in the Premier League, Watford, will be looking for at least a top-10 finish.
Pezzolano will hope to be the man to do so, and possibly even add another promotion to his tally, having done so in Uruguay, Brazil and Spain.
Pezzolano becomes the 18th permanent boss appointed by Watford since 2013, and will need to impress immediately if he is to avoid the ‘rotating door’ policy that Watford have adopted for many years.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Callum Pawley
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