With Tonda Eckert likely facing a lengthy suspension, Southampton have a substitute in mind for their head coach.

The long wait continues to see if Southampton and Tonda Eckert will resume their adventure together after a lengthy international break.

With the south coast derby at St Mary’s coming up, the Saints will need clarity in the coming days.

While CEO Phil Parsons insisted that the club had not discussed potential Tonda Eckert replacements, it is clear that his statement was intended to increase the chances of the FA punishing their boss appropriately.

While the decision is awaiting, Southampton has received its first reliable report on who could replace the German head coach.

Tonda Eckert’s hearing before an FA disciplinary commission took place on Thursday. The Telegraph reports that there is pressure for a’swift conclusion’.

Whatever ends the Southampton Spygate affair will be timely, since the club is now in doubt regarding the terms of their head coach’s activities.

According to the Telegraph, despite Phil Parsons’ statements, the Saints have been exploring contingency measures in the event of Tonda Eckert’s protracted ban, with Rob Edwards mentioned as a potential target.

Edwards, who most recently managed Wolverhampton Wanderers after leaving Middlesbrough at the end of 2025, has a great CV but is not well-liked in the North East after abandoning them in the Championship automatic spots.

Southampton are said to be ‘long-term admirers’ of the manager, who gained promotion with Luton Town via the play-offs in 2023.

A decent alternative.

Southampton’s decision to continue with head coach Eckert despite the 33-year-old coordinating spying on rival teams in December 2025, April 2026, and May 2026 effectively ended any prospects of acquiring the finest alternatives on the market at the time.

However, if their head coach is banned, they will have the option to hire some of the freshest managers on the market who may not have been ready to return to coaching in the summer.

Rob Edwards, who was fired by Wolves weeks before the start of the season, and former West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan, who recently left La Liga club Valencia, both fall into this category.

Thomas Frank, the former Brentford and Spurs manager, is a potential wildcard candidate, but he believes he is less likely to drop to the Championship. Adam Lallana and Ben Garner could provide continuity from Tonda Eckert’s tenure.

Before Southampton moves further, Tonda Eckert’s case must be resolved. His and the club’s consequences were already punished heavily in May; a lengthy ban appears excessive, but is unfortunately reality.