Southampton chiefs have made a new manager decision which involves current interim boss Tonda Eckert.
Eckert looking to make it three wins in a row for Southampton
Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, the Saints and Sport Republic are yet to appoint a new permanent manager.
A number of candidates have been linked with the St Mary’s vacancy, with Eckert impressing on a temporary basis, winning back-to-back Championship games to steer the club clear of the bottom three.
With the international break now finished, attention once again turns back to club action, with Southampton set to travel to Charlton Athletic on Saturday lunchtime.
As we know, the Saints are no closer to appointing Still’s long-term successor, meaning Eckert looks set to be given the chance to make it three victories in a row.
|
Tonda Eckert’s coaching career |
Role |
Years |
|---|---|---|
|
1.FC Koln U17 |
Assistant manager |
2013-2016 |
|
RB Salzburg YL |
Assistant manager |
2016-2017 |
|
RB Leipzig YL |
Assistant manager |
2017-2019 |
|
FC Bayern U17 |
Assistant manager |
2019-2020 |
|
Barnsley |
Assistant manager |
2020-2022 |
|
Genoa |
Assistant manager |
2022-2025 |
|
Southampton U21 |
Manager |
2025 |
|
Southampton |
Interim manager |
2025 – present |
He has impressed Saints star Finn Azaz, who scored last time out against Sheffield Wednesday, with the summer signing calling Eckert “top level”.
“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.
“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”
Now, a fresh manager update has emerged from St Mary’s ahead of the trip to The Valley.
Southampton to give Eckert next three games
According to sources from Give Me Sport and reliable reporter Ben Jacobs, Sport Republic have decided that Eckert is set to take charge of Southampton’s next three Championship fixtures.
|
Southampton’s next 3 Championship fixtures |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Charlton Athletic vs Southampton |
22nd November |
|
Southampton vs Leicester City |
25th November |
|
Millwall vs Southampton |
29th November |
It is stated that the 32-year-old is not guaranteed to be given the job on a permanent basis just yet. However, if Southampton’s games against Charlton, Leicester and Millwall go to plan, Eckert could become a genuine contender.
Radio Solent’s Sports Editor Adam Blackmore even admitted recently that Eckert was always on the radar to be promoted and replace Still as Southampton manager, although it wasn’t supposed to come this early.
“Saints have spoken to candidates, but they can afford to be patient with Eckert’s good start, and it allows them time to see the market develop.
“Eckert was always Johannes Spors’ succession policy after Will. It just wasn’t supposed to be after months! So it’s highly unlikely anything imminent occurs either way …..like I said about Will, it would be a risky appointment giving it to Eckert …but if he wins 5 out of 5? Hard not to!”
The early signs are positive, and another three points on the weekend will only strengthen Eckert’s claim to be named Southampton’s next full-time manager.