It is only a matter of time before Southampton discovers the extent of Tonda Eckert’s FA ban, and they have already lined up a replacement.

The German’s hearing took place yesterday (September 24), and there has been much conjecture about his likely sentence, with the Saints thinking he could face a three-month or longer ban from football activities.

Former Southampton striker Charlie Austin has pled with the FA not to be too severe on the 33-year-old and not to jeopardise his promising future.

According to recent sources, the South Coast club has already lined up a temporary replacement for Eckert in case he is suspended for an extended period of time.

Southampton have lined up a former Wolves manager to replace Tonda Eckert.

Following the consequences from Spygate, which resulted in a four-point deduction for the Saints heading into the current Championship season, owner Dragan Solak backed Eckert this summer.

While the Serbian billionaire may wish to maintain his head coach, it appears that if the German is punished severely, he may be obliged to do so.

According to The Telegraph, former Wolves manager Rob Edwards is one of the Saints’ alternatives if Eckert is suspended for an extended period of time and the South Coast club requires an interim appointment.

Edwards is presently available after Wolves unexpectedly fired him in June following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, and Cesar Peixoto took his place.

According to the publication, Southampton have long admired the Welshman, who has previously coached Middlesbrough and Luton Town.

Would Rob Edwards make a decent interim substitute for Eckert?

If Eckert is handed a lengthy suspension from all football operations, Southampton will need the right guy in command to achieve the club’s promotion goals.

Indeed, Edwards has an impressive track record in terms of promotion, having led Forest Green Rovers to League One in the 2021/122 season and Luton to the Premier League the following year.

More recently, the Welshman had a brief stay with Middlesbrough, when he led them to the top of the Championship before departing prematurely for Wolves, the club he previously represented.

While he was unable to stop the Old Gold’s slide, it is tough to judge him on that period because he was expected to return the team to the Premier League this season.

The 43-year-old also had a disappointing 11-match run with Watford in 2022, scoring 14 points.

Edwards’ record by club (from Transfermarkt)

Matches

Points per Match (PPM)

Wolves

0.80

Middlesbrough (16): 1.81 Luton (103): 1.18 Watford (11): 1.27 Forest Green (53): 1.75 Overall, Edwards has a good CV at this level, and if it is simply an interim appointment while Eckert is away, it makes sense.