Big Southampton FC manager search twist emerges - It involves Tonda Eckert | OneFootball

Southampton are closing in on their appointment of Will Still's successor

Southampton are seriously considering Tonda Eckert as the club’s newest full-time manager after he oversaw two games as interim coach, having been promoted from the under-21 side to replace Will Still.

According to journalist Alex Crook, the Saints are expected to offer the role to the German after he led the team to wins over QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.

Still was appointed manager in the summer following the Hampshire outfit’s relegation from the Premier League. However, he lasted just 13 league games in charge before being dismissed, with his side fighting in the bottom of the Championship table.

Eckert was placed in charge on an interim basis, with a number of names linked to the permanent role in the last couple of weeks.

Southampton eyeing permanent Tonda Eckert move

It has been claimed that Eckert is now in line to take over the team on a full-time basis following the team’s two recent victories.

The improvement in the mood around the club has been cited as a key factor behind the impending decision.

The 32-year-old was originally appointed as the Saints’ U21 manager by Johannes Spors, but is now set to take over the senior team.

Southampton went into the Championship season with the ambition to fight for promotion to the Premier League, but their form in the opening 15 fixtures has seen them sitting 17th in the table going into the current international break.

Still oversaw just two victories, which had the club on the precipice of the relegation zone, and that ultimately led to his dismissal. However, Eckert has claimed two wins from his two games in charge on an interim basis, with Southampton defeating QPR and crisis club Sheffield Wednesday prior to this month's international break.

One name that was linked with the managerial role at Southampton was former boss Russell Martin, who is currently out of work after being relieved of his duties following a nightmare spell at Rangers.

However, Eckert is now emerging as the front-runner to take over the position.

His first game as permanent manager could be their upcoming clash away to Nathan Jones' Charlton Athletic on 22 November.

Tonda Eckert appointment would be underwhelming for Southampton

It’s easy for clubs to fall into the trap of appointing interim coaches to a full-time role off the back of a couple of feelgood wins.

However, given Southampton’s promotion ambitions, that would be a very underwhelming step for the owners, Sport Republic, to take at this stage. Supporters are not happy with the decision, and will have envisaged a more ambitious appointment — preferably of somebody with an existing wealth of experience and ready to instantly, yet sustainably, improve results for the remainder of the season.

It is still only November, and there are a lot of games left in the season for the Saints to turn around their fortunes, especially when they are just seven points adrift of the play-offs.

Hiring someone with no experience at this level would be a huge gamble, and one that could backfire spectacularly, as we’ve seen with Swansea City and Alan Sheehan already this season.