Southampton have identified Rob Edwards as an option to replace manager Tonda Eckert as they await the FA's verdict on the Spygate scandal. Eckert faces a lengthy ban after being charged with misconduct in July, following Southampton's admission that they spied on three Championship clubs during the 2025-26 season.
Spygate scandal details
One of those clubs was Middlesbrough, whose staff spotted a Southampton analyst secretly watching one of their training sessions before the sides met in the play-offs. Having reached the final, Southampton lost their place at Wembley and were also handed a four-point deduction for this season.
Southampton decided to stick with Eckert, who issued a public apology and took responsibility for coordinating what the EFL's independent disciplinary commission described as a 'contrived and determined plan' to spy on Oxford, Ipswich and Middlesbrough. However, the FA's verdict is set to determine Eckert's future at St Mary's, with Southampton preparing to replace him.
Edwards' credentials
According to the Telegraph, Edwards is among the candidates. The former Wolves and Middlesbrough boss has experience of winning promotion from the Championship, having taken Luton up in 2023.
Since losing his job at Wolves in June, having expected to be given the chance to bring the club back to the Premier League after relegation, Edwards has worked in punditry. The 43-year-old has appeared on BBC's Match of the Day and Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
Club's response
Should Edwards be appointed in time for Southampton's next game, it would be a baptism of fire. The Saints welcome south-coast rivals Portsmouth on Sunday, October 11. Eckert's side are 13th in the table but would have been fourth had it not been for their points deduction.
Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons recently told BBC Sport that any further punishment would be 'really tough to take'. Parsons said: "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.
"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. This isn't just about the club, this is about people.
"We lose money not being in the Premier League, but [local] businesses lose money. We had to spend a huge amount on legal fees, and it really impacts the club even further. We don't want to be seen as a victim of this. We need to get on. We've had our cards dealt."
