BREAKING: Southampton identify talented 32-year-old as candidate to succeed Will Still as head coach

Southampton eye 32-year-old coach Tonda Eckert as potential Will Still successor

Southampton have returned to winning ways just before the November international break, with their revival coinciding with the club’s search for a new permanent head coach following Will Still’s dismissal earlier this month.

Sport Republic, the ownership group behind the Saints, are using the two-week break to accelerate their hunt for a replacement, though a busy managerial market in both the Premier League and Championship has seen several of the same names — including Gary O’Neil, Russell Martin, and Still himself — linked with multiple clubs such as Norwich City and Middlesbrough.

However, the South Coast side could look closer to home after interim boss Tonda Eckert made an impressive start to life in charge. The 32-year-old, who stepped up from his role with the Under-21s after Still’s departure, has guided Southampton to back-to-back victories against QPR and Sheffield Wednesday, lifting the team to 17th in the Championship table.

Eckert’s tactical approach and calm influence have reportedly helped to unite a previously divided dressing room and fanbase. His side’s 2-1 win over QPR — their first since September — was followed by a convincing 3-1 triumph over Wednesday, marking the club’s first consecutive league wins since April 2024.

According to reports, director of football Johannes Spors is focusing his search on candidates from Germany, though no specific names have emerged. Still, Eckert is said to have “key allies” within the club who would support his appointment on a full-time basis.

Before joining Southampton in July, Eckert worked as assistant manager at Barnsley, helping them reach the Championship play-offs under Valérien Ismaël, and later held a similar role at Genoa under Patrick Vieira.

With his familiarity with the division, experience in youth development, and immediate impact at senior level, Eckert is emerging as a serious contender to become Southampton’s next permanent head coach — a move that could bring much-needed stability back to St Mary’s.