This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features personal comments from FLW Fan Pundits on breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more.
Southampton’s late defeat at Millwall has undoubtedly reignited the argument about Tonda Eckert’s long-term future – or, more specifically, whether Southampton should stop debating and simply hand him the job.
A 97th-minute defeat at The Den, Eckert’s first as caretaker, put an abrupt end to the momentum that had been altering the club’s 25/26 prospects.
Four consecutive wins had taken the Saints out of early-season difficulty and back into the conversation they had always expected to be in.
The performances that led up to that run were also not flukes. Southampton had returned to looking like a functional, confident, and structured team.
Eckert’s workouts, which his players characterized as rigorous and tough, provided clarity following the hectic but ultimately futile weeks under Will Still.
Even in defeat at Millwall, the comeback, capped by Finn Azaz’s fifth goal in four games, suggested a team that believes in what it is expected to do.
But football rarely provides smooth tales. Tristan Crama’s stoppage-time victory not only punctuated Southampton’s afternoon, but it also raised additional questions about the club’s future.
The international break ended without a permanent appointment. So did four victories. So did the ideal time – in principle – to install a new manager. Eckert remains the caregiver.
As Southampton considers their next move for Tonda Eckert, fan confidence remains strong.
That is the context in which supporters are formulating their opinions. For many, one failure in a famously difficult away game is little reason to reconsider Eckert’s suitability.
There is a rising sense that the work done thus far – tactically, culturally, and emotionally – surpasses the volatile nature of a single outcome.
When asked if the setback changed thoughts of Eckert, resident Saints specialist Martin Sanders told Football League World:
“Not really, no. I still believe he will get the job. As things stand, I still believe he is the best candidate for the post.
“He has done well. Obviously, there was a setback on Saturday, but that is something that will always happen. Had a couple injury issues, and suspensions didn’t help.
“But, honestly, I expect him to get the job. Whether there are other candidates, I believe the longer it goes on, the more doubt there will be, but there may be work permit issues or things going on behind the scenes that we are unaware of.
“I think a lot of the ex-pros down here like Matt Le Tissier, Franny Benali, they all say we should go for an experienced manager, but I don’t think we will.”
Southampton’s championship prospects strengthen under Tonda Eckert’s guidance.
The general consensus around the club is that the Millwall defeat was a disturbance rather than a disaster.
A young coach in his first senior post was bound to face difficulties, and this game has long been one of the Championship’s most difficult situations.
Southampton’s performance demonstrated vulnerability at important circumstances, but it did not undermine the technical or structural progress made during Eckert’s brief stay.
Under his leadership, the squad has played with greater ease and confidence, converting previously missed opportunities and generating performances that are significantly more in line with its underlying metrics.
The improvement reflects not only form, but also process: better organisation, stronger communication, and a tactical approach tailored to the squad’s capabilities. Players have spoken frankly about Eckert’s meticulous preparation and the newfound air of satisfaction in the Southampton dressing room.
There is also a broader identity-based argument gaining popularity. Eckert has embraced the club’s historic route ethos, keeping close ties with the academy and bringing on staff that understand the club’s long-term goals.
Concerns persist concerning experience, longevity, and if momentum can be maintained through the Championship’s difficult winter schedule. This will put Eckert’s depth, adaptability, and emotional resilience to the test, and he will have to demonstrate those characteristics week after week.
But the evidence thus far – the performances, the attitude around the team, and the belief among players and portions of the crowd – point to a manager who has steadied and rejuvenated a Saints side that appeared to be heading nowhere a month ago.
The outcome at Millwall may have ended the winning streak, but it does not appear to have changed the overall appraisal of Eckert’s impact.
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