Southampton tipped to avoid Matt Le Tissier, Franny Benali stance and make Tonda Eckert call | OneFootball

FLW’s Saints fan pundit has weighed in on a permanent appointment for the German boss

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Southampton’s late defeat at Millwall has inevitably reopened the debate over Tonda Eckert’s long-term future - or, more accurately, whether Southampton should stop debating and simply give him the job.

A 97th-minute defeat at The Den, Eckert’s first loss as caretaker, brought an abrupt halt to the momentum that had been transforming the club’s 25/26 prognosis.

Four straight wins had dragged Saints away from early-season turbulence and back towards the conversation they always expected to be in.

The performances behind that run were not flukes either. Southampton had begun to look like a functional, confident, structured side again.

Eckert’s sessions, described by his players as detailed and demanding, restored clarity after the frenetic but ultimately fruitless weeks under Will Still.

Even in defeat at Millwall, the fightback - capped by Finn Azaz’s fifth goal in four games - hinted at a team that believes in what it is being asked to do.

But football rarely offers smooth narratives. Tristan Crama’s stoppage-time winner not only punctured Southampton’s afternoon but also invited renewed scrutiny of what comes next for the club.

The international break passed without a permanent appointment. So did four wins. So did the perfect moment - in theory - to install a fresh manager. And still, Eckert remains the caretaker.

Fan confidence holds as Southampton weigh their next move for Tonda Eckert

That is the backdrop in which supporters are forming their views. For many, one setback in a notoriously difficult away fixture offers little reason to reassess Eckert’s suitability.

There is a growing sense that the work done so far - tactically, culturally and in terms of mood - outweighs the volatility of a single result.

When asked whether the defeat had altered perceptions on Eckert, resident Saints expert Martin Sanders told Football League World:

“Not really no, I still think he’ll get the job. I still think he's the favourite for the job as it stands.

“He's done well. Obviously it was a bit of a setback on Saturday, but it's always going to happen. Had few injury concerns, suspensions didn't help.

“But yeah, I still expect him to get the job, to be honest. Whether there are other candidates, I think the longer it goes on, maybe leaves a bit of uncertainty by not doing it, but there could be work permit issues or things behind the scenes that we don't know about.

“I think a lot of the ex-pros down here like Matt Le Tissier, Franny Benali, they all say we should go for an experienced manager, but I don't think we will.”

Southampton’s Championship outlook improves under Tonda Eckert’s leadership

The prevailing feeling around the club is that the Millwall defeat represents a disruption rather than a derailment.

A young coach in his first senior role was always likely to encounter setbacks, and this particular fixture has long been one of the Championship’s most demanding environments.

Southampton’s performance showed vulnerability in key moments but did not betray the technical or structural progress made during Eckert’s brief tenure.

Under him, the team has played with more fluency and confidence, converting chances that had previously gone missing and producing performances that align far more closely with their underlying numbers.

The upturn reflects not just form but process: clearer organisation, stronger communication and a tactical approach that suits the strengths of the squad. Players have spoken openly about the precision of Eckert’s preparation and the renewed sense of enjoyment that has returned to the Southampton dressing room.

There is also a wider identity-based argument gaining traction. Eckert has embraced the club’s traditional pathway culture, maintaining strong links with the academy and integrating staff who understand the club’s long-term vision.

Concerns naturally remain about experience, longevity and whether momentum can be sustained through the Championship’s tough winter schedule. That will test depth, adaptability and emotional resilience - and Eckert will need to demonstrate those qualities week after week.

But the evidence so far - the performances, the atmosphere around the team, and the belief among players and sections of the fanbase - points towards a manager who has stabilised and energised a Saints side that looked directionless a month ago.