Ex-Portsmouth Star in Pole Position to Replace Tonda Eckert as Southampton Manager

Southampton FC is reportedly on the verge of sacking Tonda Eckert, their 32-year-old German manager, after a dramatic collapse in form during the 2025/26 Championship season. An ex-Portsmouth star is emerging as the frontrunner to take over at St Mary's Stadium.

Eckert, who had never managed a senior team before joining Southampton's U21 setup, was promoted from interim boss to permanent head coach in early December 2025 following an impressive run. During his six interim matches, Saints notched 5 wins, scored 18 goals, conceded just 7, and averaged 2.5 points per game. Standout victories included dominant half-time leads against Charlton Athletic and Leicester City, earning praise from players like Leo Scienza.^[1]

However, since his full-time appointment, Eckert's record has plummeted: just 1 win in 7 games, 7 goals scored, 12 conceded, and a dismal 0.85 points per game. A humiliating 4-0 defeat to Middlesbrough capped a six-game winless streak, with no victories since his debut permanent match against West Brom. Critics argue the hierarchy acted rashly, as the team's clinical edge vanished, exposing cracks from predecessor Will Still's era.^[1]

Period	Matches	Wins	Goals Scored	Goals Conceded	PPG
Interim	6	5	18	7	2.5
Full-Time	7	1	7	12	0.85

^[1]

Fans and pundits question the decision to hand a rookie a long-term deal until 2027, with some calling it premature.^[2] Amid transfer whispers, Eckert recently stated a new striker isn't "necessary" post-Damion Downs' exit.^[3]

Enter the ex-Pompey hero: sources claim the former Portsmouth standout, with proven leadership and local ties, is "in pole position." His track record in turning around squads makes him ideal for Southampton's survival fight. Board deliberations intensify as the January window looms, signaling Eckert's likely exit.^[1]

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