EFL manager calls for Southampton to dismiss Tonda Eckert following the Spygate scandal.

Southampton may have moved on from the fallout of the Spygate scandal, but there remains considerable debate across the wider football community about whether Tonda Eckert should still be in charge of the club.

While Saints supporters have largely accepted the punishments handed down following the controversy and are pleased that Eckert has retained his position, not everyone believes the manager deserves a second chance.

One of those who disagrees with Southampton’s decision is Andy Woodman, the Bromley manager who masterminded one of the most remarkable underdog achievements in the EFL last season by leading the club to the League Two title.

Woodman has questioned Southampton’s decision to continue with Eckert and believes the club should have used the scandal as an opportunity to completely reset their football operation.

The Bromley boss has gone as far as admitting that, had he been responsible for making the decision, he would have dismissed the 33-year-old manager.

Woodman believes Southampton should have moved on

Speaking alongside former EFL players Lyle Taylor and Luke Chambers on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 72+ EFL Pod, Woodman was asked about Southampton’s decision to retain Eckert despite the controversy.

His response was unequivocal.

“I’d have got rid of the manager,” Woodman explained.

He acknowledged that it might not be appropriate for another manager to make such a statement, but insisted that this was the decision he would have taken.

Woodman argued that Southampton should have “cleared the decks” following the scandal and started again rather than attempting to rebuild under the same manager.

From his perspective, the controversy continues to hang over Eckert and the club, particularly because the Football Association has yet to determine the manager’s ultimate punishment.

The Bromley boss also suggested that somebody needed to take responsibility for what happened.

He recognised that it was an uncomfortable position because he is a manager himself, but argued that the consequences of the scandal were too serious to ignore.

Southampton ultimately lost their opportunity to compete in the Championship play-offs after being expelled from the competition, and Woodman believes the manager should have paid the price.

He also felt that removing Eckert would have allowed the club to draw a line under the affair and begin again with a clean slate.

Eckert still faces uncertainty

Although Southampton have publicly backed Eckert, his position is not entirely secure because the FA investigation remains ongoing.

The manager could still receive a suspension, potentially leaving the Saints in an awkward situation as they prepare for the new Championship campaign.

Southampton have strongly supported their head coach so far, but the severity of any punishment could ultimately influence whether that stance remains unchanged.

If Eckert receives a significant ban, the club could potentially be forced to reconsider their position.

That would be an especially difficult scenario given how much preparation has already gone into the upcoming season.

Southampton are aiming to challenge for promotion despite beginning the campaign with a four-point deduction imposed by the EFL.

The uncertainty surrounding their manager therefore represents another major complication.

Spors admits Southampton are preparing for different scenarios

Southampton technical director Johannes Spors recently addressed the uncertainty surrounding Eckert’s future.

Spors acknowledged that there are still numerous possibilities regarding how the situation could develop and admitted that the club has discussed various scenarios internally.

However, he insisted that Southampton remain focused on the present rather than allowing the unresolved investigation to dominate their preparations.

Speaking about the situation, Spors said there are “so many uncertainties” surrounding what could happen.

Despite that, he claimed to be positive about the weeks ahead.

Eckert has already had to experience some unusual circumstances while preparing the squad.

During a pre-season friendly against Preussen Munster, he watched the match from the stands rather than his usual position on the touchline, giving the club an opportunity to consider what life could look like if he were eventually suspended.

Spors described the situation as something of a training exercise.

The technical director explained that Southampton are considering different possibilities internally so they can react if necessary.

However, he stressed that nothing concrete has been decided because the club does not yet know what punishment, if any, Eckert will receive.

He added that Southampton remain hopeful of a positive outcome.

Eckert’s record provides Southampton with confidence

One reason Southampton remain committed to Eckert is his impressive record since taking charge.

As of August 12, 2026, the German manager has overseen 41 matches for the Saints.

During that period, Southampton have recorded 26 victories, nine draws and only six defeats.

That gives Eckert a win percentage of 63.4 per cent.

Those statistics provide a strong argument for keeping him in charge.

Despite the controversy surrounding the club, Eckert has demonstrated that he can produce results on the pitch.

Southampton therefore have to balance the serious consequences of the Spygate scandal against the manager’s footballing record.

From the club’s perspective, replacing a coach who has won more than 60 per cent of his matches would be a significant decision.

Southampton could embrace a siege mentality

The scandal has undoubtedly damaged Southampton’s reputation within parts of the wider football community.

However, the Saints could potentially use the criticism as motivation during the upcoming campaign.

There is a growing sense that Southampton are entering the new season with a “us against the world” mentality.

The club have already endured the consequences of the scandal, including their four-point deduction, while Eckert continues to wait for the FA’s final decision.

That environment could create an unusually strong bond between the manager, his players and the supporters.

Southampton’s public image may have suffered, but those inside the club appear determined to focus on football.

The Saints will hope that the adversity ultimately strengthens their resolve rather than damaging their promotion ambitions.

Wider EFL opinion differs from Southampton’s

The contrast between Eckert’s standing at Southampton and his reputation elsewhere in the EFL is becoming increasingly obvious.

Within the club, he continues to enjoy support from key figures, players and sections of the fanbase.

Outside Southampton, however, there are people who believe the manager should have been removed after the Spygate controversy.

Woodman’s comments underline that divide.

The Bromley boss believes Southampton should have used the scandal to start over, while the Saints have chosen to maintain continuity and trust Eckert to deliver promotion.

Ultimately, Southampton will care little about outside criticism if their decision produces the desired result.

If Eckert can guide them back to the Premier League at the second attempt, the club’s hierarchy will feel vindicated for standing by him.

The immediate challenge, however, is navigating the unresolved FA investigation while preparing for another demanding Championship campaign.

For now, Eckert remains in charge, and Southampton appear determined to support him.

Whether that position survives the FA’s eventual decision remains uncertain.

But if the manager can reproduce his impressive record from last season while leading Southampton towards promotion, the controversy may eventually become secondary to what happens on the pitch.