Just before the November international break, Southampton got back to winning ways. This comeback coincided with the club’s hunt for a new permanent head coach after Will Still was fired earlier this month. Although a busy managerial market in both the Premier League and Championship has seen several of the same names — including Gary O’Neil, Russell Martin, and Still himself — linked with multiple clubs like Norwich City and Middlesbrough, Sport Republic, the ownership group behind the Saints, is using the two-week break to speed up their search for a replacement.
However, following an outstanding start to his tenure as temporary manager, Tonda Eckert, the South Coast team may consider looking closer to home. After Still left, the 32-year-old took over as captain of the Under-21s. Since then, he has led Southampton to consecutive wins over Sheffield Wednesday and QPR, moving the squad up to 17th place in the Championship standings. According to reports, Eckert’s strategic approach and composed demeanor have contributed to the reconciliation of a once-disjointed fan base and dressing room. The team’s first back-to-back league victories since April 2024 came when his team defeated QPR 2-1, their first since September, and then defeated Wednesday 3-1. Although no names have surfaced, indications indicate that football director Johannes Spors is concentrating his search on German applicants. Nevertheless, it is reported that Eckert has “key allies” in the club who would back his full-time appointment. Prior to joining Southampton in July, Eckert served as Barnsley’s assistant manager under Valérien Ismaël, guiding the team to the Championship play-offs. He then had a similar position at Genoa under Patrick Vieira. Eckert’s familiarity with the division, youth development expertise, and instant impact at the senior level make him a strong candidate to take Southampton’s place as permanent head coach. This appointment might restore much-needed stability to St Mary’s.
xz
