Rob Edwards has emerged as a potential Southampton target should Tonda Eckert receive a lengthy ban following the club's "spygate" saga, according to reports.
FA hearing verdict awaited
Southampton are awaiting the verdict of a Football Association disciplinary hearing which could have major implications for Eckert's future at St Mary's. The German coach was charged with misconduct in July after Southampton admitted spying on three Championship rivals during last season.
The club were subsequently expelled from the Championship play-offs and deducted four points by the English Football League before the new campaign began. Eckert's hearing before an FA disciplinary commission took place on Thursday, with Southampton understood to be keen for a swift verdict.
Contingency plans considered
According to The Telegraph, the Championship club have been considering contingency plans in case Eckert is handed a lengthy suspension, with former Wolves boss Edwards among the options being discussed as a potential interim appointment. Edwards was sacked by Wolves in June after their relegation from the Premier League and was replaced by Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto.
The 42-year-old former Wales international has considerable Championship experience, having previously managed Luton Town and Middlesbrough, while Southampton are also believed to have held a long-standing interest in him.
Spying plan uncovered
The situation stems from an EFL investigation which found Eckert had been behind a "contrived and determined plan" to spy on Championship rivals Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. Southampton beat Middlesbrough in last season's play-off semi-final but were subsequently removed from the competition after admitting to the espionage.
The club are now facing a further wait to discover whether Eckert will receive an additional punishment from the FA. Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons said earlier this week that any further sanction would be "really tough to take".
"What we hope as a club is they actually recognise where we are at the moment, and what we've already been through, because I think it has to be taken into account," Parsons told the BBC. "I really feel like we've taken enough. We've been hurt. I think it's one of the largest sanctions ever when it comes to football, or even sporting, history."
Southampton are currently 13th in the Championship and return to action on October 11 when they host local rivals Portsmouth.
