Southampton are looking at a 32-year-old to replace Will Still, which has Saints fans saying, “Stop this nonsense.”

Tonda Eckert, the head coach of Southampton U21s, is one of several names connected with the top job at St Mary’s following Will Still’s dismissal.

According to The Athletic, Southampton have identified Tonda Eckert, their U21s head coach, as a possibility to take over in the dugout at St. Mary’s following Will Still’s departure on Sunday evening.

The Saints have not had the start that many expected this season, having been one of three sides relegated from the Premier League last season. After a challenging first 13 games with only 12 points, Still’s brief reign came to an end, with their 2-0 loss to Preston North End serving as the final straw.

After being appointed in May 2025, Still’s side has won only two of their first 13 league games, placing them 21st in the Championship table.

With a challenge for the play-offs now seeming unlikely due to the Saints’ poor start to the season, the 33-year-old manager was relieved of his duties before matters got worse for the club.

In the meantime, the search for Still’s replacement is already underway, with academy coach Eckert a strong contender for the position, according to journalist David Ornstein.

Tonda Eckert is a key candidate to be Southampton’s first-team manager.

After being appointed as Southampton’s interim manager following Still’s dismissal, Eckert has been given the board’s approval to lead the Saints into their next game away to QPR on Wednesday evening, and he could be appointed on a full-time basis despite the club considering other options such as Brendan Rodgers and Michael Carrick, according to Teamtalk.

Sport Republic, the club’s owners, have faced criticism from Saints fans since taking over the club in January 2022, with the fire on them now more than ever due to a lack of a clear plan. However, if Eckert is officially hired as Saints manager, one thing is certain: the club will get a manager who is familiar with the club and its existing setup, having been in the post since July of this year.

Despite having no prior experience as a head coach, Eckert was previously the assistant manager at Serie A club Genoa and has a solid understanding of what the EFL has to offer, having worked as Valerian Ismael’s assistant at Barnsley from August 2020 to January 2022.

If Eckert intends to win over the Saints fans, he must first provide a positive outcome at Loftus Road on Wednesday. Because of his lack of Championship experience, speculation that he could take Still’s post permanently has been universally dismissed by their fan base.

Many Southampton fans unhappy about Tonda Eckert potential full-time appointment

With Eckert’s lack of managerial experience, particularly with Southampton’s high expectations, he faces a daunting task in turning around the current pattern of outcomes with little time to apply his style of play on the players.

Many fans on social media have reacted to Eckert’s announcement as a main contender, and it’s safe to assume that the majority are dissatisfied.

One fan posted on the SaintsExtra X page, saying, “Please No. “Stop this nonsense, Saints.” Fans have made it obvious that they would prefer a manager with plenty of Championship experience who is possibly used to dragging clubs out of difficulties, and Eckert is far from the first person that comes to mind. However, as previously stated, the only way to get fans on board is to score three points in the games he is assigned on an interim basis.

Another fan expressed their thoughts clearly, saying, “Of course he is; Sport Republic always chooses the cheapest option.” Given the Saints’ previous failures with Ruben Selles and Simon Rusk, many fans are concerned that Eckert will repeat their mistakes. Southampton fans, obviously, would prefer that their owners exercise their authority and choose a manager with Championship experience.

A Saints supporter added: “He has good pedigree at youth level but we need someone with experience and an aurora to sort things out.” Again, repeating what Saints fans want to see is someone who can lead the team to the next level while also being ambitious about attaining and staying in the Premier League for the foreseeable future. Whereas, as this Saints supporter alluded to, despite Eckert demonstrating his ability at the young level, jumping directly into a struggling Saints team may be a step too far at this point.

Another admirer suggested Liam Manning as an alternative to Eckert, believing he would be a better fit. They responded with the following: “I really hope we try and poach that Liam Manning from Norwich, he done a fantastic job last year at Bristo, and I reckon he’d sort us out.”

Despite Norwich’s Championship struggles, and Manning’s impending dismissal, his second-tier experience could help Southampton climb the ladder and ensure their safety this season.