Southampton are now under the permanent lead of Tonda Eckert, who has lifted his side to 11th in the Championship table.
Southampton have entrusted Tonda Eckert with the permanent job after he oversaw four wins in five as caretaker boss. He made the ideal start to his full-time tenure too, defeating Birmingham City 3-1 on Saturday.
Bigger tests lay ahead of Eckert, such as the first form slump, player issues, injury crises and more. However, he has performed brilliantly to date, and deserves this chance at St. Mary’s.
Image courtesy of: TONY O’BRIEN/REUTERS.
The Saints squad is in a good place with more to come from many of their promising players. However, a few changes in January could be the difference between remaining in mid-table and bridging the gap to the promotion fight.
With that said, we suggest three actions that could change Southampton’s season.
New goalkeeper recruit for Southampton
Gavin Bazunu has been entrusted with the starting position in goal under Eckert. He has shown signs of improvement, but the Southampton man is still prone to a shaky moment or two.
Many would argue that given his ability in possession and age, the 23-year-old deserves a sustained run to really prove he can lock down the starting berth. However, with margins so fine in the promotion race, many others would say a proven and perhaps more experienced number one should be recruited in January.
Even if Bazunu remains a starting player, perhaps some more long-term competition wouldn’t go amiss. George Long is only on loan, and Alex McCarthy turned 36 at the start of this month.
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
Fringe players offloaded
There are still some players lingering after relegation who need to find pastures new. Streamlining Eckert’s squad will help both morale and keep things more focused on a core group around the training ground and in matches.
The lead contender to move on is Joe Aribo, who had been eyed for a summer exit. Winger Samuel Edozie, though currently injured, is another likely departee.
A case will be made for Ronnie Edwards to head out on loan once more having lost his starting spot under Eckert too. However, depth at centre-back is not extensive enough for that to happen without someone else coming in to replace him.
Ronnie Edwards’ game time under Tonda Eckert
StartsMinutes playedUnused substitute074
Striker support for Adam Armstrong
Last but not least is a change in the striker ranks. Adam Armstrong has thrived since moving up top for Southampton but the support from those behind him is minimal.
Ross Stewart is sidelined with another injury, while Damion Downs has struggled for form after his summer move. There is also speculation circulating over his recent absence from matchday squads.
Cameron Archer is seemingly not favoured by Eckert as well. As such, an exit or two could be beneficial, paving the way for a new striker to join and offer lead goalscorer Armstrong some competition.
