Former Premier League boss details 'pressure' on Still at Southampton

Still, 32, took over as boss at St Mary's when he signed a three-year deal last month, and will lead the side into the Championship campaign.

Technical director Johannes Spors has set out the club's ambition to win promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Highly acclaimed as an exciting young manager, Englishman Still led RC Lens to within five points of qualifying for European football last season. 

Former Stoke City boss Pulis, whose grandson plays for Saints academy, told Boylesports: "Is Will Still a great get? We will see.

Tony Pulis also managed West Brom in the top flight

"The one thing for sure is that Southampton will be one of the best teams in the Championship next year if they keep the players they've got. 

"He will have the opportunity and the chance to definitely be successful in his first year and success there is promotion, nothing less than promotion. 

"That will put pressure on him and the league will be tough next year, but he’s got all he needs to succeed."

Pulis, 67, last month said that Saints are "a really, really well-run club," with his son, Anthony, also on the books at Staplewood in the late 00s.

He called for Saints to appoint Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl to replace Ivan Juric permanently, before Saints moved for Still.