Southampton boss Tonda Eckert just achieved what Will Still can only dream of | OneFootball

Tonda Eckert has been named EFL Championship Manager of the Month for February after steering Southampton through an unbeaten run that revived their play-off push and lifted belief among supporters.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Eckert arrived as under-21s coach, then stepped in as interim when the club sought stability after Will Still had left them in the division’s lower reaches. Results picked up, four wins in five followed, and the board made his appointment permanent.

The 33-year-old took 13 points from five games. The standout was a 4-3 comeback at Leicester City, with clean sheets against Watford and Queens Park Rangers.

There was a professional 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday and a 1-1 home draw with Charlton Athletic, managed by Nathan Jones. He finished ahead of Frank Lampard, Philippe Clement and Alex Neil.

He follows German compatriots on the roll of honour. Daniel Farke won in February 2025 and collected the award twice last season with Leeds United, while Danny Röhl claimed December 2024 with Sheffield Wednesday.

Saints’ form also brought recognition for Léo Scienza, shortlisted for Player of the Month after involvement in nine of Southampton’s 14 February goals. The award went to Millwall’s Femi Azeez, who delivered six goal contributions in their strong spell.

For Eckert the greater prize is momentum. Southampton are pushing hard for the play-offs and look increasingly adaptable under their young coach.

Source: Sainstmarching.com