Tonda Eckert's pre-match press conferences are taking on a familiar feel. BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore's questions are dealt with contemptuously and with assured confidence by the former Under-21 coach. Then Eckert goes on to drop a bombshell so quietly that hardly anybody notices.
Last Friday, it was the announcement that Léo Scienza may not be available after reporting ill. It was the equivalent of a 'by the way' comment thrown in at the end of the important stuff, as if it was inconsequential. A sort of, 'by the way, our best player might not be available' comment.
One of Southampton's best wingers is back in training
This week, it was the exciting news that Sam Edozie is back in full training. Hardly any of the news outlets ran with the story, but this was the big news. Edozie, like Scienza, is a player that can run with the ball at pace. He can play on either side of the front three and provides cover for both Scienza and Azaz.
Edozie has not featured for the Saints since pre-season. At Eastleigh, he played the second half and looked like one of Southampton's better players in a poor performance.
"A thorn in Eastleigh's left-hand side for the entirety of the second-half. Linked up with Dibling and Sugawara to good effect. Showed exquisite touch and electric pace to get in behind again and again. Was tenacious in the counter-press. Should have scored from close-range but fluffed his lines badly when it was easier to score."Paul Blake, Saints Marching
Reports that Edozie wanted a move away from St Mary's and was being denied playing minutes by Will Still circulated and alongside Joe Aribo, Edozie was left out in the cold.
Back in from the cold and raring to go
Just as it looked like Edozie was fit and ready to play, he got injured again. The team's form continued to slide and Still got the sack. Now, it appears that Edozie is back and keen to be involved. Eckert's announcement that the 22-year-old was back in full training was said with the cheekiest of grins.
The former Millwall and Manchester City Academy graduate contributed well to Southampton's promotion campaign in 2023/24 before going out on load to RSC Anderlecht where he made eight goal contributions (goals and assists) in 23 Jupiler Pro League matches.
Sam Edozie could be a very positive addition to the squad under the current interim manager.