Three managers Southampton should consider if Tonda Eckert leaves amid growing interest

Southampton F.C. have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under Tonda Eckert after what had been a dreadful start to their return to the Championship.

The Saints began the campaign hoping the appointment of Will Still would lead them straight back to the Premier League. However, the 33-year-old’s tenure lasted just 16 matches, with only four victories during that spell.

Eckert initially stepped in as an interim solution, but an impressive run of results convinced the club to hand him the job permanently.

Now, though, reports from Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg claim the Southampton boss is attracting attention from clubs in both Serie A and the Bundesliga. Eckert previously worked as an assistant manager at Genoa CFCbefore joining the Saints, and his strong start at St Mary’s has not gone unnoticed.

If serious interest materialises, Southampton may need to prepare for the possibility of losing their manager. Here are three coaches they could consider should Eckert depart.

---

Russell Martin

Russell Martin previously guided Southampton to promotion when the club last competed in the Championship.

If the Saints remain in the second tier next season and find themselves searching for a new head coach, bringing the 40-year-old back could be a logical move. The club already knows he can deliver promotion, while Martin himself could benefit from restoring his reputation following a brief and challenging spell at Rangers F.C..

---

Brian Barry-Murphy

Brian Barry-Murphy is currently close to guiding Cardiff City F.C. back to the Championship at the first attempt.

The Irishman has impressed in only his second senior managerial role, adapting quickly to the demands of League One since taking charge in the summer.

Barry-Murphy also has a strong track record of developing young players, having previously worked with Rochdale A.F.C. and Manchester City U21. That background could appeal to Southampton, a club renowned for producing academy talent.

His attractive style of football would likely prove popular with supporters, and at 47 he is still relatively early in his managerial career, potentially making him a smart long-term appointment.

---

Miron Muslic

Miron Muslic earned plenty of admirers during his time with Plymouth Argyle when he attempted to rescue the club from relegation.

Although survival ultimately proved out of reach, many felt Argyle may have stayed up had Muslic been in charge earlier in the campaign.

The Bosnian coach moved to FC Schalke 04 last summer and has continued to impress in the 2. Bundesliga, with the German side currently leading the division and pushing strongly for promotion.

If Southampton are forced into another managerial search, Muslic’s previous experience in the Championship and his impressive work in Germany could make him a compelling candidate.