Southampton identify possible Eckert replacement as they await Spygate ban verdict

Southampton have identified Rob Edwards as an option to replace manager Tonda Eckhert, as they nervously await the FA's verdict on the Spygdate scandal. German boss Eckhert is facing a lengthy ban, having been charged with misconduct in July after Southampton admitted to spying on three Championship clubs during the 2025-26 season.

One of those was Middlesbrough, whose staff spotted a Southampton analyst secretly watching one of their training sessions before the sides met in play-offs. Having gone through to the final, the Saints lost their place at Wembley and were also slapped with a four-point deduction for this season.

Southampton, however, decided to stick with Eckhert, who issued a public apology and took responsibility for coordinating what the EFL's independent disciplinary commission described as a 'contrived and determined plan' to spy on Oxford, Ipswich and Boro. But the FA's verdict is set to determine Eckert's future at St Mary's, with Southampton preparing to replace him.

According to the Telegraph, Edwards is among the candidaes. The ex-Wolves and Middlesbrough boss has experience of winning promotion from Championship, having taken Luton up in 2023.

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Since losing his job at Wolves in June, having expected to be given the chance to bring the club back to Premier League after relegation, Edwards has worked in punditry. The 43-year-old has appeared on BBC's Match of the Day and Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

Should Edwards be appointed in time for Southampton's next game, it'd be a baptism of fire. The Saints welcome south-coast rivals Portsmouth on Sunday, October 11. Eckert's side are 13th in the table but would've been fourth had it not been for their points deduction.

Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons recently told BBC Sport that any further punishment would be 'really tough to take'. Parsons said: "What we hope as a club is they actually recognise where we are at the moment, and what we've already been through, because I think it has to be taken into account.

Should Southampton have sacked Tonda Eckert? Have your say in the comments section.

"I really feel like we've taken enough. We've been hurt. I think it's one of the largest sanctions ever when it comes to football, or even sporting, history. This isn't just about the club, this is about people.

"We lose money not being in the Premier League, but [local] businesses lose money. We had to spend a huge amount on legal fees, and it really impacts the club even further. We don't want to be seen as a victim of this. We need to get on. We've had our cards dealt."