Southampton’s internal options who could step up to replace Tonda Eckert.

Southampton may already have potential internal solutions if Tonda Eckert is handed a lengthy suspension following the FA’s investigation into the club’s Spygate controversy.

The Saints went into the international break on the back of a frustrating 2-1 Championship defeat away to Wrexham. A late Keven Schlotterbeck own goal settled the contest in favour of Phil Parkinson’s side and brought a disappointing end to Southampton’s latest league fixture.

The result was particularly frustrating given Southampton’s previous visit to the Racecourse Ground, where they recorded a memorable 5-1 victory last season. Eckert would have hoped his side could produce another impressive performance, but their struggles away from home continued.

Middlesbrough v Southampton – Sky Bet Championship | Matt Watson/GettyImages

More importantly, the defeat could potentially prove to be Eckert’s final match in the Southampton dugout if the FA decides to impose a significant suspension over his involvement in the Spygate affair.

A lengthy touchline or managerial ban remains a possibility, and Southampton may therefore have to consider how they would operate without their head coach.

Although the club have not indicated that a replacement is currently being sought, two members of the existing Southampton setup could emerge as possible temporary or permanent solutions.

Ben Garner

The most obvious internal option could be Ben Garner, who currently works as Eckert’s assistant.

If Southampton want to maintain continuity and avoid disrupting a squad that has become accustomed to Eckert’s methods, promoting his assistant could make sense.

Garner is still only 33, but he has accumulated considerable coaching experience across different clubs and football environments.

Much of his early development came at Crystal Palace, where he worked within the academy and coaching structure. During that period, he helped coach young players who later became Premier League stars, including Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Garner subsequently moved to West Bromwich Albion, where he became part of the coaching staff after following former Palace manager Tony Pulis to the Hawthorns.

His coaching journey has also taken him overseas. He worked as an assistant manager at ATK in 2019 before taking charge of Bristol Rovers later that year.

Further managerial positions followed at Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic and Colchester United. He then moved to the Right to Dream International Academy before joining Southampton in 2026.

Garner’s coaching career has therefore included a mixture of academy development, first-team coaching and managerial responsibilities.

Garner’s coaching background

At Crystal Palace, Garner worked in several positions between 2004 and 2015, including coaching, youth management and assistant management roles.

He was West Brom’s assistant manager from 2015 to 2017 and later worked with ATK in 2019. His first-team managerial opportunities included Bristol Rovers in 2019-20, Swindon Town from 2021 to 2022, Charlton Athletic in 2022 and Colchester United in 2023.

He then became head coach at the Right to Dream International Academy before arriving at Southampton as Eckert’s assistant.

His previous experience has also brought him into contact with some prominent figures in football. While completing his UEFA Pro Licence in 2014, Garner crossed paths with Jose Mourinho.

Former Southampton striker Rickie Lambert has also spoken positively about Garner, describing him as an imaginative coach with a strong understanding of players.

When Southampton appointed him in January 2026, the club highlighted his extensive experience and suggested that his background would provide valuable support to Eckert as the young German adapted to managing in the Championship.

Garner has also previously spoken about his preference for attacking football. That philosophy could fit naturally with the style Southampton have developed under Eckert.

If the FA prevents Eckert from managing for an extended period, Garner could therefore provide a relatively smooth transition without forcing Southampton to completely change their approach.

Adam Lallana

Another internal possibility is Adam Lallana, a hugely popular figure among Southampton supporters because of his successful playing career at St Mary’s.

Lallana is now responsible for the Southampton Under-21 side and has made an encouraging start in his new role.

After establishing himself as a key player for the club during his playing career, Lallana returned to Southampton in a coaching capacity and took charge of the Under-21s in January 2026.

His early results with the youth team have been promising.

From their opening four Premier League 2 matches of the season, Southampton Under-21s have recorded three victories and one draw. They remain unbeaten, scoring seven goals while conceding only two.

That record gives Lallana a positive foundation if Southampton were eventually to ask him to take responsibility for the senior team.

A familiar face for Southampton

Lallana’s biggest advantage could be his relationship with the club and its supporters.

Having spent a significant part of his playing career at Southampton, he understands the expectations surrounding the team and remains a well-liked figure on the south coast.

His promotion would also represent a very different type of appointment from bringing in an outside manager. With the club potentially facing disruption if Eckert is suspended, Lallana could provide an emotional connection at a difficult moment.

His transition from former Premier League midfielder to coach also reflects a broader trend of ex-players developing into managers within the English Football League.

For now, however, the idea of replacing Eckert remains hypothetical.

Southampton still backing Eckert

Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons has made clear that the club have not been actively discussing replacements because they remain committed to Eckert.

The German manager could yet avoid a lengthy suspension, with the FA’s eventual decision determining how Southampton proceed.

If the punishment is limited to a touchline restriction, there may be little reason for the club to make a major change.

However, should Eckert receive a lengthy management ban, Garner and Lallana could naturally become candidates from within the existing structure.

For now, Southampton are waiting for the FA’s decision before making any move.

Both Garner’s experience and Lallana’s growing coaching record provide the club with possible alternatives, but the Saints’ preference remains to continue with Eckert if the disciplinary outcome allows it.