Southampton will name Will Still's successor before the weekend according to a Saints Marching source. The Saints have been persisting with Tonda Eckert in an interim manager role with the young German winning four out of his five matches in charge.
But many Southampton fans and critics have been calling for Sport Republic's Group Technical Director, Johannes Spors, to appoint an experienced manager for the role.
Since the sacking of Still, Brendan Rodgers, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Gary O'Neil, and Carlos Corberán have all been linked with the job. So too, have former Southampton managers, Russell Martin and Ralph Hasenhüttl.
However, Sport Republic have not been rushed and a turnaround in form overseen by the interim manager has given them a dilemma.
The owner may turn a blind eye to good advice
Owner, Dragan Solak, has been advised to recruit a manager who has experience in the Championship and not to appoint Eckert.
But the 32-year-old German coach has turned heads in his brief stint in the job so far. Only a well-drilled, resolute and talented Millwall side have got the better of Saints in that time.
A dogged win away at Queens Park Rangers was followed up with a dominant 3-1 home victory over Sheffield Wednesday. The away win at Charlton Athletic, giving Nathan Jones a good hammering, has been the highlight - although the follow up 3-0 win at home to Leicester comes close to topping it.
It could be argued that Eckert's inexperience was exposed at Millwall where a more astute manager might have tried to shut-up shop once Southampton got in front, or at the very least when they hauled themselves back to 2-2 with only a few minutes left on the clock.
To continue to try and win the game in those circumstances was unforgivable really. But, Eckert can be forgiven for an error of judgement on his part. He is young and he will learn.
Saints to appoint junger Anführer to the permanent role
According to sources, Southampton will appoint Tonda Eckert as the permanent manager of Southampton in the next few days and certainly ahead of the Birmingham City match on Saturday.
The board have clearly seen enough potential in the junger Anführer (young leader) to appoint him to the permanent role.
The details of his contract may take some time to be clarified but a two-year deal could be the most likely. Eckert could be given the remainder of this season to find his feet and get the team as close to the top six as possible before expectations rise. Either way, he would be expected to guide Southampton back to the Premier League within two years.
Eckert's style has received plenty of praise from the senior players at the club and many have seen their performances improve in November.
Once again, Southampton have opted for the cheap option. They have chosen to go down the route of potential over experience. Apparently, they have chosen Tonda Eckert.
Only time will tell if they have got it right.