Another Southampton star has come out in support of Tonda Eckert ahead of FA hearing

Southampton remain firmly behind Tonda Eckert, even as a FA hearing hangs over the controversial tactician.

Indeed, the Saints' CEO, Phil Parsons, has come out in a recent interview to say replacements for Eckert haven't been sounded out, even as he faces the potential of a very long ban from the beautiful game for his involvement in Spygate.

The hope will be that the promotion chasers have been punished enough, having been expelled from the playoffs last season.

They also entered into the new Championship season with a minus four point deduction next to their name, so a banning order that rules Eckert out of management for some time does feel slightly excessive.

Several pundits agree that a complete banning order would be over-the-top, with ex-Crystal Palace chairman, turned outspoken TalkSPORT personality, Simon Jordan, becoming an unusual voice of reason on the whole debacle.

The players at Eckert's disposal also continue to be in the 33-year-old's corner, with another first team star coming out to complement the constantly slated German.

The first team star backing Eckert

Cyle Larin has always been vocal about his admiration for the Berlin-born manager, with his positivity in wanting to make the Canadian a first-team star from minute one of their interactions together swaying him to join on loan.

The rest is history, now, as the Brampton Bagsman has become one of the most potent strikers in the division, under the head coach's eye.

Finn Azaz has also come out in recent times to back the under-fire boss, with the Republic of Ireland international loving life at St. Mary's, under the reign of the much-talked-about German.

Under Will Still, Azaz would fail to pick up a single goal or assist from nine games.

Under Eckert, from 48 games to date, he has a sensational 14 goals and 14 assists next to his name, with the proof in the pudding that the Saints head coach gets so much more out of his players, and is well-liked and respected, despite his reputation continually being dragged through the mud.

Speaking during the early stages of the break, Azaz has opened up about the "brilliant" nature of his alliance with Eckert, stating that they're "very aligned on a lot of things."

It would be a crushing blow for the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder if this bond were to be severed, but all this support from Azaz, Larin, and lot more Saints players could fall on deaf ears, if the FA decide to be harsh with their individual penalty.

All of this support could fall on deaf ears

At the end of the day, the final decision over Eckert's future lies at the table of the FA hearing panel.

Hopefully, they just dish out a touchline ban, and the South Coast club can then finally move on from matters involving Spygate.

But, Eckert was made an example of when the Saints were kicked out of the playoffs in an unprecedented move, so it shouldn't be ruled out that the outcome of this hearing will be another earth-shuddering decision, and he is chucked to one side.

Azaz and Larin will be keeping their fingers crossed that Eckert remains as their club manager when they return from international duty, as both the St. Mary's superstars in question have the 33-year-old to thank for feeling so confident in Saints red and white.

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