‎3 Managers Southampton could target after Tonda Eckert update ft. Cardiff City Boss

Southampton have managed to revive their campaign under Tonda Eckert after a miserable start to their return to the Championship.

The Saints initially believed their decision to appoint Will Still during the summer would help steer them straight back to the Premier League through automatic promotion. However, the 33-year-old’s spell proved short-lived, overseeing only 16 matches and securing just four victories.

Eckert was first placed in charge on a temporary basis, but a strong run of performances convinced the club to hand him the role permanently.

Now, though, there are signs that Southampton could face a fresh challenge in keeping hold of him. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany, clubs from both Serie A and the Bundesliga are monitoring Eckert following his impressive start at St Mary’s Stadium. The coach previously worked as an assistant at Genoa CFC before moving to the south coast.

If serious interest does emerge, Southampton may need to prepare contingency plans should Eckert decide to pursue another opportunity. Here are three managers the Saints could consider if a vacancy opens up.

Russell Martin

Russell Martin was in charge the last time Southampton competed in the Championship and guided the club to promotion from St Mary’s Stadium.

Should the Saints remain in the second tier by the summer and require a new head coach, a reunion with the 40-year-old could make sense for both sides. The club already knows he is capable of leading them back to the Premier League, while Martin himself may be keen to rebuild his reputation following a brief and difficult spell with Rangers F.C..

Although Southampton struggled in the top flight during his previous tenure, that experience may not necessarily rule out a return. Martin’s possession-based style has previously been effective in the Championship and could suit the Saints’ current squad, which contains several attacking options.

Brian Barry-Murphy

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

The Irish coach has impressed in what is only his second senior managerial role, adapting quickly to the demands of EFL League One since taking charge last summer. Earlier work with Rochdale A.F.C. and Manchester City F.C. also highlighted his ability to nurture young talent.

That reputation could appeal to Southampton, whose academy has long been known for producing high-level prospects. Barry-Murphy’s attacking philosophy is also easy on the eye, something supporters would likely welcome. At 47, he still has many years ahead in management and could represent a smart long-term appointment.

Miron Muslic

Miron Muslic gained widespread praise last season after taking charge of Plymouth Argyle F.C. during a difficult relegation battle.

The 43-year-old came close to pulling off an unlikely survival push, and many believed the club might have stayed up had he arrived earlier in the campaign. Muslic moved to FC Schalke 04 in the summer and has continued to impress in the 2. Bundesliga.

Schalke currently sit at the top of the table and are well positioned to secure promotion back to the Bundesliga. If Southampton are forced to look for a new manager in the near future, Muslic would likely be a name worth considering, having already shown he can handle the pressures of English football and potentially open to another opportunity in the Championship.