News summary
The Spygate wait is the story hanging over everything at Southampton right now. A verdict on Tonda Eckert still has not been issued by the FA.
Former referees' chief Keith Hackett offered his read of it this week. He expects a six-game ban rather than the double-figure sanction some have floated.
Hackett also expects the FA to apply the punishment at once, not defer it. That would leave Eckert watching the opening month from the stands.
Southampton have kept preparing for that outcome. Assistant Ben Garner has taken the touchline in training and in pre-season as a dry run while the club waits on the ruling.
The board has stood behind its head coach throughout. Nothing about the club's public backing has shifted while the charge is worked through.
There is little time to spare. Saints open away at Colchester United in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, then start the league programme at Watford eight days later.
Eckert has promised a conversation with two of pre-season's brightest. He told reporters at the German training camp that Nick Oyekunle and Romeo Akachukwu have earned it, in remarks to the Daily Echo.
Akachukwu lasted all 70 minutes of Saturday's draw at Preussen Münster. Both teenagers had already scored in the earlier win over Eastleigh.
"They've shown that they're willing to fight for their spot," Eckert said of the pair. Oyekunle spent last season on loan at Colchester United, the club Saints now face first up.
The striker has four senior appearances so far, three of them in the Championship, per his FotMob profile. Backing the academy this year could spare Southampton a late scramble in the market.
Saints Marching made the case over the summer for trusting these kids. One piece even floated the striker as an in-house answer up front.
Transfer news
Shea Charles is still the player being connected with a move out of St Mary's. A fresh update on his situation, reported by Leeds Live, will have pleased Daniel Farke.
Southampton have not budged from their valuation. They want north of £30m, and Fulham's £24m offer was turned away.
Leeds have lodged what has been called their final bid, again short of the mark. Charles is said to favour a move to Elland Road, though Saints look happy to let the interest build.
The midfielder rated 7.16 in the Championship last season, per his FotMob profile. Southampton see no reason to drop the asking price.
Leo Scienza seems content too. The Brazilian called himself "very comfortable" on the south coast in comments to the Daily Echo, even as Premier League clubs continue to show interest.
Southampton rate him near £35m and feel no pressure to sell.
The hunt for a potential Charles replacement rolls on in the background, with the club long linked to Crystal Palace's Justin Devenny. Saints Marching ran through realistic replacement options worth a look.
Saints Marching opinion
The Eckert verdict is the biggest call facing Southampton right now. Six days have passed since the German submitted his letter to the FA and the club has waited long enough.
If Hackett is right about six games, the damage is contained. Eckert would miss the opening month and be back before autumn.
The bigger worry is the four-point deduction Southampton already carry into the season. A head coach watching from the stands on top of that makes a tricky start more difficult.
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