Southampton are still waiting for the final result of the Football Association’s investigation into Tonda Eckert following the Spygate scandal at the end of the 2025–26 season.

The Saints manager was prosecuted earlier this year for his role in the espionage controversy that resulted in the club’s expulsion from the Championship play-offs last season, despite qualifying for the final with a two-legged triumph over Middlesbrough.

As a result, the 33-year-old faces a lengthy suspension from football, which might cause major problems at St Mary’s.

Up to this far, the Hampshire club has persevered with Eckert, despite the Championship side earning a four-point deduction penalty this season.

However, a football ban would demand a change in the dugout, at least for the duration of the suspension.

Here are five coaches Southampton should be keeping an eye on, as sources suggest that the FA hearing will take place later this week to determine the case’s conclusion.

Southampton’s last five league results.

Opponent (Home or away)

Result

Wrexham (A)

2-1 loss

Bristol City(H)

4-1 win

Swansea City (Home)

3-1 win

Lincoln City (A

1-1

Birmingham City (A)

1-1

Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane is currently out of work after leaving Hungarian club Ferencvaros at the end of last season.

The Irishman won the league title with them in 2025 and the Hungarian Cup in 2026, but he fell short of a second OTP Bank Liga championship.

The former Premier League striker also won the Israeli Premier League in 2024 with Maccabi Haifa, and he previously served as a first-team coach in the Championship with Middlesbrough.

Keane has acquired a reputation as a promising rookie coach and might be a candidate to take over the club if Eckert is removed from his position due to a ban – a Championship job is undoubtedly something he would pursue as a free agent.

Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche, who is now unemployed, is a reliable option for Southampton if Eckert is banned.

The 55-year-old has Premier League experience from periods with Burnley, Everton, and Nottingham Forest, and he understands what it takes to be successful in the Championship after leading the Clarets to two promotions.

If he can be persuaded to return to the second tier, he would be an excellent choice to oversee the rest of the season, albeit his style would differ slightly from Eckert’s.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker has built a reputation as a promotion specialist, having led Bournemouth, Fulham, and Burnley to the Premier League.

However, the former midfielder is now out of job after leaving Burnley shortly before the end of the 2025-26 season, and he should be on Southampton’s radar as a natural fit at St. Mary’s.

Southampton’s team is already well-suited to Parker’s possession-based approach, and he may quickly start producing results that will drive them into promotion contention.

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank has been out of work since he left Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year.

However, the Dane is an established coach who has demonstrated himself at the championship level and has a track record of adapting to his surroundings.

It didn’t work out for him at Spurs, but he may do amazing things with this Southampton group, if he is ready to go down to the second tier to rehabilitate his reputation.

Players like Tom Fellows, Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza could all thrive under Frank, who helped the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney become Premier League calibre players during his tenure at Brentford.

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards was fired by Wolves in June in an unexpected decision – he oversaw their relegation from the Premier League, but it appeared that he would be given an opportunity to manage their prospective comeback.

That was taken away from him, with Cesar Peixoto being headhunted to take his place, and it’s fair to say that the decision to replace him was mixed at the time.

Edwards has a successful track record at the Championship level and would be an excellent choice to quickly continue Eckert’s outstanding work at St. Mary’s.

Anyone who takes on the head coach post would be doing so under exceptional circumstances, although Edwards previously triumphed when he replaced Nathan Jones at Luton Town after he departed on a high note and moved to Southampton.