Finn Azaz hasn't had a fantastic time away from Southampton so far during the international break.
The Republic of Ireland disappointingly lost 1-0 to Kosovo in their first Nations League encounter over the elongated break, but Azaz did stand out in patches for his unconvincing nation, with three successful dribbles amassed.
While he prepares for more Nations League matches, back at the Saints, there is still no further news on what Tonda Eckert's individual punishment will be, after an FA hearing took place regarding Spygate.
If Eckert were to be banned, the promotion hopefuls would have to be on the hunt for a new manager to replace the German, and there have been reports suggesting they could look towards this Championship-experienced head as his replacement.
Could Saints appoint this Eckert replacement?
Reports suggest that if the Saints' worst nightmare became true, and Eckert was suspended from the dug-out, they could look towards Rob Edwards as his immediate successor.
Still out of a job after being dumped by Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the season, it is being reported in the Telegraph that Edwards' comeback could come at St. Mary's, if Eckert is banned.
It is noted that the South Coast giants are long-term admirers of Edwards, who has previously won promotion up to the Premier League with Luton Town, and he is a name on their potential managers list subsequently, as contingency plans are hurriedly drawn up.
#Saintfc nervous wait on verdict of FA hearing over the “spygate” saga + Tonda Eckert. Rob Edwards, ex-#WWFC manager, among the options in event of lengthy ban + need for interim w/@JPercyTelegraph https://t.co/1NHfOKMaoG
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) September 25, 2026
Obviously, everyone associated with the Championship outfit will want to keep Eckert around, even with the controversy of Spygate still lingering like a bad smell, as the German has proven himself to a top-class operator at the level.
But, having a fallback list of replacements feels wise, with Edwards likely not the only option in reserve.
Azaz - who has stood out as one of Southampton's best performers this season - wouldn't be over the moon if the out-of-work 43-year-old were to step into the dug-out, having briefly crossed paths with him at Middlesbrough.
Azaz would be against this managerial choice
Indeed, while Cyle Larin leads the way in terms of volume of goals scored this season in the Championship with seven strikes, Azaz has also been a joy to watch at St. Mary's.
He has three goals and four assists next to his name from eight second tier appearances, and he has created a hefty 16 chances from open play this campaign so far, when attempting to unlock an opposition defence with a dart forward, or an incisive pass.
Safe to say, Azaz loves playing under Eckert, so to lose the German from the sidelines would be a gutting blow for the 26-year-old to stomach.
Additionally, he might not fancy playing under Edwards, as he likely rubbed the Saints-linked manager up the wrong away during their short time together at the Riverside Stadium, with Azaz pushing for a move away from Boro to the South Coast during the very early days of his Teesside reign.
He was noted as being unhappy with Boro towards the end of his 68-game stay, leading to Azaz expressing a desire to leave.
Since then, he has clearly found a more comfortable home at St. Mary's, with a stunning 14 goals and 14 assists under Eckert.
It would hurt for the Republic of Ireland international, therefore, to have to rip up his phenomenal working relationship with the German, to then be managed and controlled by an alternative head coach, who he associates with a more choppy portion of his playing days.
Fingers remain firmly crossed on Southampton's end that Eckert remains in the dug-out beyond the FA hearing, with Edwards' potential arrival - away from his promotion-winning acumen - slightly troubling.
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