SAINTS interim boss Simon Rusk congratulated Will Still after he was named the club's new permanent first-team manager on Sunday.

Still, 32, penned a three-year deal at St Mary's and will lead Saints into the Championship, following the club's relegation this season.

Rusk, 43, took charge of the final seven matches after demotion was already confirmed, winning two points in that time.

Still was in attendance for the last of those - a 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal - in which Saints conceded an-89th minute winner. 

Asked for his opinion on Still's arrival at the club, Rusk was keen to congratulate the former RC Lens boss on his progression.

"I've not had the chance to speak to Will yet but I think it's good now that there's a bit of clarity for everyone," said Rusk.

New Saints manager Will Still at St Mary'sNew Saints manager Will Still at St Mary's (Image: Stuart Martin)

"First of all, congratulations to Will on the appointment. I'm sure he's had to work very hard to get a job at a prestigious club such as Southampton. 

"Everyone views football differently but I would like to think that he saw a team that in spite of difficult circumstances were committed.

"They were running for each other and wanted to have an element of dignity to how they finished the season. Hopefully, that will be encouraging for him."

Still's backroom staff have not yet been confirmed and coach Rusk could return to his previous role as a first team assistant.

However, some quarters believe Rusk's departure is more likely. Rusk was asked whether he will brief Still on his learning this season.

"If I'm honest, I'm completely uncertain about what the next steps are. My focus has been on supporting the players and the club," he responded.

"We've been through what's been fairly unique circumstances with seven weeks to go relegated in the Premier League.

"We were a side that haven't won many games and had a points record to remove, I think an experienced manager would have found that challenging. 

"So my focus was on supporting the players and driving the club forward and I've said, you know, all along that that is what comes first.

"Now this bit's done and them objectives to a large extent have been achieved, I'm sure I'll get some direction on what's next."