Southampton have appointed 32-year-old Tonda Eckert as their new manager, it has been announced within the last hour.
Saints Marching revealed on Wednesday that Eckert would be in position before the match against Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon, despite the defeat to Millwall last weekend.
The club have made the announcement In a statement made on the Southampton FC website. Below is that announcement in full.
A proud man takes up the mantle at St Mary's
Southampton FC Statement - Friday 5th December
Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm that Tonda Eckert has agreed to become Men’s First Team Head Coach on a permanent basis, signing a contract until 2027.
Eckert has led the team to four wins in five games since taking charge on an interim basis at the start of November, a run that has seen the club climb up the table and pick up a total of 12 points from 15 available.
Most importantly, the 32-year-old has united both the playing squad and supporters thanks to a committed, attacking and entertaining style of play.
Group Technical Director Johannes Spors said: “I’m delighted that Tonda has accepted our offer of becoming the permanent Men’s First Team Head Coach following his spell in interim charge.
“His empathy for the playing group and the clarity with which he communicates his ideas have been central to the team’s improvement since he took charge.
“The great results he has achieved in that time, not just in terms of performances and points, but also in the way he has brought together players and supporters, has shown everyone what he is capable of achieving.”
Tonda Eckert said: “I’m very proud. It’s a very proud feeling to represent this football club. I think that we’ve had a great start and now it is up to us to continue.
“We go all in; there is no other way. I don’t shy away from being ambitious to say that we want to play for promotion, whatever that is going to look like in the end. We will go for every single point there is to take.”
One good reason why the appointment could divide fans
The appointment could divide Southampton fans, some of whom would have preferred that the club appointed a more experienced manager at EFL Championship level.
Despite the remarkable upturn in form and Eckert's undoubted potential, some fans would have liked to have seen how Eckert's side reacted to the defeat against Millwall before making the offer to Eckert.
Southampton fans will no doubt get behind the young manager who has a tough job ahead of him this season. Should he steer the club into the top six, he could become a hero on the South Coast.
Saints Marching would like to congratulate Tonda on securing the role and wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season and beyond.