Southampton are considering former Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards as they await a Football Association verdict on the Spygate scandal involving head coach Tonda Eckert. The FA hearing concluded on Thursday, with a decision expected before the international break and ahead of Southampton's key derby with Portsmouth on October 11, a key fixture in their fixtures list.
Eckert admitted authorising a Southampton intern to spy on Middlesbrough's training session ahead of last season's play-offs, a scandal that also involved spying on Oxford United and Ipswich Town. The EFL has already punished the club, expelling them from last season's play-offs and docking four points for the current campaign, a penalty that has impacted their early standings position. Eckert now faces three FA charges of bringing the game into disrepute.
Internal discussions at St Mary's have reportedly identified Rob Edwards as a potential interim appointment should Eckert receive a lengthy ban. The 43-year-old has been without a job since being sacked by Wolves in June following their Premier League relegation. Southampton are said to have held a long-term interest in the former Luton Town boss, whose profile is included in our comprehensive squad and coaching database.
Eckert has publicly apologised for his actions, describing the EFL's punishment as "unheard of in the history of sports" and tough for the club to start the new season on minus four points. He stated he has asked for forgiveness and that the final decision now rests with the FA.
While Southampton face uncertainty, Middlesbrough continue their strong start to the Championship season. Michael Carrick's side sit third in the table with 15 points from eight games, their form reading two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five. They face a key test next, hosting fourth-placed Wolves at the Riverside Stadium on October 10.
More detail at portsmouth.co.uk
