Rob Edwards to Southampton twist emerges as Tonda Eckert ban threat looms | OneFootball

The Saints have lined up an interim appointment should their head coach be handed an extended ban.

It is now just a matter of time until Southampton discover the severity of Tonda Eckert's FA ban, and they have already lined up a replacement.

The German's hearing took place yesterday (September 24), and there has been plenty of speculation around his possible punishment, with the Saints fearing he could be given a three-month ban or more from all football activity.

Former Southampton striker Charlie Austin has pleaded with the FA not to be too harsh on the 33-year-old and begged them not to ruin his budding career.

Now, fresh reports suggest that the South Coast club have already lined up an interim replacement for Eckert if he were to receive a lengthy ban.

Southampton line up former Wolves boss to replace Tonda Eckert

Action Images

Saints owner Dragan Solak backed Eckert over the summer following the fallout from Spygate, which left the club with a four-point deduction heading into the new Championship season.

While the Serbian businessman may want to keep his head coach at the helm, it seems his hand may be forced if the German is given a severe punishment.

Former Wolves boss Rob Edwards is among the options for the Saints if Eckert receives a lengthy ban and the South Coast club needs an interim appointment, according to The Telegraph.

Edwards is currently available after he was surprisingly sacked by Wolves in June following the club's relegation from the Premier League, with Cesar Peixoto replacing him.

The publication adds that Southampton are long-term admirers of the Welshman, who also managed Middlesbrough and Luton Town.

Would Rob Edwards be a good interim replacement for Eckert?

Action Images

If Eckert is given a lengthy ban from all football operations, then Southampton will need the right man in charge to fulfil the club's promotion ambitions.

Indeed, Edwards does have an encouraging record when it comes to promotion, as he took Forest Green Rovers up to League One in the 2021/122 campaign and then Luton to the Premier League just a year later.

More recently, the Welshman had a very short spell with Middlesbrough, and had them challenging towards the top of the Championship before his premature departure to the club he represented as a player, Wolves.

While he was unable to prevent the Old Gold's slide, it is difficult to judge him on that stint, as it was believed he was appointed to bring the club back to the Premier League this season.

The 43-year-old also experienced a forgettable 11-match spell with Watford in 2022, where he picked up 14 points.

All things considered, Edwards does have an impressive CV at this level, and if it is just an interim appointment while Eckert is gone, then it makes sense.

How Southampton fans have reacted to Edwards news

Naturally, given Edwards' affiliation to Middlesbrough, many believe his potential Southampton appointment would add another layer to the pair's rivalry.

However, some have expressed their concern about appointing the Welshman, pointing to his favoured formation and previous roles.