Southampton weigh up former Middlesbrough boss ahead of Portsmouth derby amid FA spygate hearing

Southampton are reportedly developing a managerial contingency plan as they await the Football Association's verdict regarding head coach Tonda Eckert's involvement in a spying scandal. Eckert was charged on three counts of bringing the game into disrepute after the club admitted to spying on opponents last season. Former Middlesbrough and Luton Town manager Rob Edwards has been identified by the club as a potential candidate should Eckert receive a lengthy suspension ahead of the October 11 derby against Portsmouth.

The English Football League previously expelled Southampton from the playoffs and imposed a four-point deduction for the current campaign. Edwards has been unemployed since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers following their Premier League relegation in June. The FA is expected to issue its ruling before the end of the upcoming international break.