The in-house Southampton options who could step up to replace Tonda Eckert | OneFootball

Southampton slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Wrexham, signed off before a three-week international break by a late Keven Schlotterbeck own goal.

According to Sainstmarching.com, head coach Tonda Eckert still faces a possible ban over his Spygate involvement, and a lengthy touchline sanction feels more likely. If that happens, the club could look in-house at Ben Garner and Adam Lallana.

Eckert had hoped to echo last season’s 5-1 win at the Racecourse Ground, but the away struggles continued.

Garner, Eckert’s assistant, offers continuity. The former Crystal Palace coach worked in the youth set-up with Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, then assisted Tony Pulis at West Brom. He undertook his UEFA Pro Licence in 2014.

Brought in January 2026 to support a first-time Championship manager, he was hailed by the club for his experience. He has 52 wins as a manager, including spells at Charlton and Colchester, and has long promoted attacking football.

Lallana, a 60-goal former Saint, now leads the U21s and has started well. His side are unbeaten in four Premier League 2 matches, with three wins, seven scored and two conceded.

Like Eckert, he has stepped from the academy pathway, and ex-Premier League midfielders such as Tom Cleverley are making early strides in the EFL with Plymouth Argyle.

Chief executive Phil Parsons has said no replacements have been discussed, and the club remain loyal to Eckert. He could receive only a touchline restriction, but if a ban follows, Garner and Lallana would surely come under consideration.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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