Cameron Archer: Player and Will Still explain why he’s shining after Southampton exit
by Naveen Ullal · Sport WitnessSouthampton‘s Cameron Archer has explained Will Still’s pursuit convinced him to join AJ Auxerre on loan in the summer window, and the manager says his good start shouldn’t come as a surprise.
The Walsall-born striker spent his entire career in the UK until he joined the French club on deadline day.
He’s a product of Aston Villa’s academy and couldn’t cement his place in their first team. Therefore, the Europa League winners, after a few loan spells, sold him to Sheffield United in 2023, only to re-sign him in June 2024.
Two months later, the Villans sold him to Southampton. The 24-year-old managed 11 goals and four assists from 77 matches for the Championship side.
Still took charge at St. Mary’s in July 2025 and managed just 16 matches. During his time with the Saints, Archer played 13 times, managing two goals and an assist.
Southampton man shining under Still
With just four wins after 16 matches, the English club cut ties with Will Still in November 2025. He waited until the summer to return to the bench when AJ Auxerre appointed him as their new manager.
The Ligue 1 side had lost their first three matches. Last month, the manager compared his poor start at Auxerre to his short spell at Southampton.
Still changed the formation from a four-man defence to a back-three in the last two matches. Auxerre scored three goals [and collected six points], with Cameron Archer scoring twice. He took his tally to three goals from three matches for the French club.
On Friday, he scored a brace in a friendly win over Clermont. After the match, he spoke to L’Yonne Republicaine and Tuesday’s print edition of the newspaper have relayed both his and Still’s comments.
What Still and Archer have to say
Will Still believes it’s not surprising to see Cameron Archer star since he joined Auxerre on loan from Southampton.
“I’m not surprised at all. That’s why we brought him in. We can also see the confidence the team has when he’s on the pitch and the structure of the team,” he said.
“You know you can give him the ball and he won’t lose it. That he has this ability to make runs in behind. And that he doesn’t need 56 chances to score. We know how much good he does for us.”
The Saints owned player said Still wanted to sign him at the start of the summer window.
“The coach was keen on my profile from the start of the transfer window, and that’s ultimately what made the difference in signing here on the last day. It was very important for me to have his confidence because it’s the first time I’m going to play for a foreign club,” Archer explained.
| Cameron Archer — career statistics | Years | Appearances | Minutes played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 2019–2024 | 14 | 268 | 4 | 0 |
| Solihull Moors (loan) | 2020–2021 | 29 | 1,154 | 6 | 1 |
| Preston North End (loan) | 2022 | 20 | 1,624 | 7 | 1 |
| Middlesbrough (loan) | 2023 | 23 | 1,573 | 11 | 6 |
| Sheffield United | 2023–2024 | 32 | 2,062 | 4 | 1 |
| Southampton | 2024–present | 77 | 3,063 | 11 | 4 |
| Auxerre (loan) | 2026–present | 3 | 254 | 3 | 0 |
| Club career total | 198 | 9,998 | 46 | 13 |
All competitive first-team club matches, including play-offs.
Excludes youth and reserve football, including Aston Villa U21’s
EFL Trophy matches. Figures as of 6 October 2026.
Ligue 1 suits Southampton man
The attacker has explained the reasons for his impressive start to his life in France, also thanking his new teammates.
“The coach speaks both French and English, which helps me a lot. Like my teammates Danny (Namaso) and Axel (Tuanzebe), who help me better understand this new culture that I really like,” he added.
“I’m also going to learn French. Honestly, I feel really good. I’m happy to be here at such a prestigious club. Ligue 1 also offers a different style of play than English football. It’s very direct, which suits me perfectly.
“I love playing spectacular football. Of course, when you arrive at a new club, you want to play and score goals right away. That’s what I’ve managed to do, and it’s also helped me settle in quickly.”
“I’m an instinctive striker, and I can get fast in the box. Ever since I was little, I’ve thought my eye for goal has been very useful. The coach says so too. He doesn’t want me to overthink things on the pitch.”
“I let things happen. I prefer to keep my goals to myself. I’ve set myself a target number of goals to score and to win as many matches as possible.”
Auxerre haven’t secured a purchase option with Southampton. Should Cameron Archer extend his good run, the French media might soon start discussing the possibility of the club buying him.