If Tonda Eckert gets banned, Southampton FC must eye these 6 managers | OneFootball

Southampton need to have these names on their shortlist if Tonda Eckert is banned from football by the FA

Tonda Eckert’s future at Southampton remains under the microscope due to his role in the club’s spying scandal.

The Saints were removed from the play-offs despite reaching the final due to being found guilty of breaching the EFL’s rules regarding filming opposition training sessions.

The 33-year-old earned a lot of credit for his work in turning things around at St. Mary’s, guiding the club to the play-offs, but the scandal has led to uncertainty over his future.

The Football Association are currently investigating his role in the incident, which could lead to a ban from football.

Here we look at six potential replacements Southampton must consider in case Eckert is banned by the FA…

Sean Dyche

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Sean Dyche won’t bring the same kind of style of football that we’ve come to expect from Southampton, but it would be a short-notice appointment right before the start of the season.

The former Nottingham Forest boss knows how to get his team playing a basic but effective style quite quickly while managing to earn results.

If he’d be willing to step down to the Championship, it could be a smart, swift appointment for the Saints.

Thomas Frank

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Thomas Frank is another coach that could prove a smart appointment that could quickly adapt to taking over during pre-season, or potentially after the first couple of games.

The Dane has experience of the Championship, winning promotion with Brentford, and is currently available.

While he might not be a stylistic fit for the Saints, the club may need to be flexible on their next appointment if Eckert is suddenly issued with a ban.

Vitor Pereira

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Southampton will be in a tricky situation if they have to suddenly replace Eckert, and one option that could prove useful could be Vitor Pereira.

During his time at both Wolves and Nottingham Forest he showed to be tactically flexible, looking to just get the best out of what he has instead of implementing a set of ideals.

As a short-notice appointment, this could be what helps Southampton get by without Eckert for a period, if they intend to bring the 33-year-old back when his ban ends.

Rene Maric

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For someone who would be more of a stylistic fit for Southampton, then Rene Maric is a more suitable choice.

The Austrian is currently working under Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich and has earned a reputation as a bright, young tactical mind.

If Eckert was out of the picture, then taking a gamble on the 33-year-old could be a smart alternative move.

Rob Edwards

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Rob Edwards’ departure from Wolves will make him a hot commodity on the market once the season starts, but Southampton could beat everyone to the punch if Eckert becomes unavailable.

The 43-year-old has a good track record at this level, as well as Premier League experience, and he has what it takes to guide the Saints to promotion in what could be a fiercely competitive campaign.

Scott Parker

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Scott Parker is currently available, and his track record in the Championship would make him an obvious candidate for Southampton.

The former midfielder would be suited to the players at St. Mary’s, and his possession-based style of play would be welcome among supporters.

Given he has earned promotion with Burnley, Fulham and Bournemouth, his appointment could be what the Saints would need to get over the line next season.