News summary
The wait on Tonda Eckert's Spygate punishment could stretch into next month. Broadcaster Adam Blackmore said on Radio Solent that no verdict is expected until September.
That timing would leave Southampton four competitive games into the season before they learn Eckert's fate. He has been watching pre-season friendlies from the stands to prepare for a possible touchline ban.
Southampton also begin the Championship on a four-point deduction. Clarity on the manager's position would help the club plan the opening weeks.
On the pitch, Eckert takes his squad to Colchester United in the EFL Cup on Saturday. The Championship opener at Watford follows the weekend after.
A strong Saints following is expected to make the trip to Essex, despite the later Saturday afternoon kick-off and the match being shown live on Sky.
There is brighter news in attack, where Damion Downs and Cameron Archer both caught the eye in pre-season. Downs looks worth backing after a rough first year on the South Coast.
Transfer news
The headline deal is close to done, and Fulham have agreed a deal for Charles. The fee is reported at around £22m plus add-ons, short of the £30m Southampton first wanted.
Fulham moved clear of Leeds United, who had chased Charles for much of the window. The London club pressed ahead once personal terms fell into place.
Charles is now expected to complete his Premier League move before long. It leaves a gap in central midfield that Eckert must fill quickly.
Up front, Southampton are among several clubs eyeing Bournemouth striker Daniel Jebbison, who spent last season on loan at Preston. Hamburg and Genoa are also said to be keen on the 23-year-old.
There is caution attached to that one. Jebbison's goal return last season looked modest for a first-choice forward.
Saints Marching has argued the Saints would be better off chasing Ben Farhat, a Karlsruher SC forward rated in the 2. Bundesliga. Eintracht Frankfurt, Bournemouth, RB Salzburg and Lille are also chasing the 20-year-old.
A more fanciful link has not gone away either. Swansea's Žan Vipotnik, last season's Championship golden boot, is still being floated in some quarters.
One earlier option has faded. The move for Iván Azón has gone quiet in recent weeks.
Saints Marching opinion
Shea Charles leaving for Fulham is the summer's defining call. The agreed fee sits below the £30m Southampton hoped for.
He brought three goals, two assists and a 7.16 average rating in the Championship last season. At 22, he is a midfielder the club could have built around.
The exit has been described as a big what-if. The reinvestment now has to be right, and a proven striker beats another gamble like the Brereton Diaz signing.
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