Southampton may end up in the South Coast derby under Tonda Eckert regardless of the FA

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert could remain on the touchline for the upcoming South Coast derby against Portsmouth due to the FA's lengthy disciplinary timeline. Eckert faces potential punishment after being charged with three breaches of FA Rule E3.1 over training ground spying incidents between December 2025 and May 2026, which previously led to a playoff expulsion and points deduction.

According to writer Paul Blake, the multi-stage FA hearing and appeals procedure could extend past the October 11 derby at St Mary's. The club had an initial hearing on September 24, and any formal appeal process would likely ensure Eckert is available to lead the team against their fierce rivals.