The Championship returns this weekend, and the highlight of a packed schedule is Portsmouth’s short trip to Southampton for the season’s first South Coast derby.

This season marks the first time the two rivals have competed in the same division since their respective Premier League seasons of 2003/04 and 2004/05. Matchups between the two are uncommon, so many neutrals will be hoping for a few better ones than those handed up last year.

Southampton vs Portsmouth results from last season

Date

Venue

Score

14th September, 2025

Saint Mary’s Stadium

0-0

25th January, 2026

Fratton Park

1-1

However, the build-up to this Derby Day is overshadowed by off-field events from May, which saw Tonda Eckert charged by the FA in July for his role in the Spygate scandal, which saw his Saints side eliminated from the Championship play-off final.

Since then, there have been worries over Eckert’s short-term status, including whether he will be able to take command of Southampton games or face a lengthy suspension. Many expected those questions to be answered by now, but as we enter game week, they have not.

Tonda Eckert’s FA hearing has gone on for more than a week now.

Southampton were fined by the EFL in May after admitting to spying on Middlesbrough’s training session prior to their play-off semi-final, as well as two previous incidences during the regular season against Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

The Saints were ousted from the play-off final and given a four-point deduction as a result, but the FA also charged Tonda Eckert with three violations of regulation E3.1 for “directing and/or observing” training sessions.

While the EFL’s enquiry and judgement had to be taken in a matter of weeks due to the proximity of the play-off final, the FA has had the time to undertake a thorough investigation against Eckert himself.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s administration backed the German manager, and the Saints started the new season well, particularly at home. Without the four-point deduction, they would have finished fourth.

Nonetheless, Eckert’s future remained uncertain. Fortunately, a judgement was expected during the current international break, with a decisive FA hearing scheduled. The hearing was scheduled for September 24, more than a week ago.

The Saints manager reaffirmed his apologies following their 2-1 defeat at Wrexham, the final game before the break, but as the clock ticks down to the first game back, the club is still unsure what punishment may be imposed on the head coach.

Tonda Eckert could face a ban under the FA’s precedence.

The biggest concern among Southampton supporters and officials is that Eckert may face a lengthy suspension from management as a result of his involvement in Spygate.

This is not the first time a head coach has been caught spying on their opponents before a game; Marcelo Bielsa exposed the method while at Leeds United.

The FA then issued a warning to the Argentinian manager, but the EFL implemented a rule prohibiting teams from monitoring opposing training sessions within 72 hours of a match.

Indeed, while this is the first time it has happened in England, FIFA issued a one-year ban to Canada’s women’s national team head coach Bev Priestman in 2024 after she was discovered using a drone to spy on rival teams.

Ultimately, that is where the uncertainty stems from. This is the first time the FA has punished someone for eavesdropping, although it is unclear whether they will follow the example set by FIFA a few years ago.

The Telegraph claimed a few weeks back that Rob Edwards is in the running if Eckert is banned, but as things stand, the German manager will remain in the dugout for Sunday’s game against Portsmouth, with the hearing still ongoing.

Tonda Eckert’s hearing verdict adds another layer to Southampton vs. Portsmouth.

Southampton and Portsmouth is a contest that does not require any additional taste. It’ll be a feisty affair in front of a boisterous St Mary’s crowd whatever, but the outcome of the FA hearing, whatever it is, or even if it is still inconclusive, will add another layer to the proceedings on Sunday.

If Eckert is suspended just days before Derby Day, both supporters and players who have been loyal to and supported the German manager all summer will be on edge.

If he doesn’t, and he stays in the bench for the visit of Portsmouth, the visiting Pompey fans will make sure he knows what they think of him, and that uncertainty may leak into the players’ preparation.

John Mousinho’s team understands the task at hand, and, more importantly, they know who will lead them into war. As for Southampton, you can’t help but believe that the threat of their head coach being suspended in the coming days will be on their minds throughout training this week.

Regardless of the outcome of Tonda Eckert’s allegations, it will be a box office hit at St Mary’s on Sunday.