Tonda Eckert

[S-Clarke]

53 minutes ago, Crab Lungs said:

I see Ankersen copping alot of the stick on here but I can’t see how he’s been involved recently, or have I missed something?

There is so much wrong at the club you’d need multiple hands to point all the fingers you need at the problems.

Like with any entity involving people, it’s leadership that sets the tone though. I think in recent seasons - much like companies and institutions in this country - we’ve had a serious rot of perpetual grifters amongst us that are happy to plod along, do a mediocre job and keep doing enough to get away with it or alternatively, are surrounded by fellow grifters all on the good time gravy train so are never held accountable.

Only solution? Rip it up and start again but it takes big balls and persistence to do it. It can be done though.

Alfie House recently confirmed that Solak uses Rasmus as his key footballing advisor across the entire group, Rasmus is more hands on day to day at Goztepe I believe - but he still has a strong influence across the entire group and is almost certainly involved in the big decisions around managers.

In terms of the Ben Garner link, we recruited him from the Right to Dream Academy - which is run by a Danish person whom Rasmus has close links with. Rasmus was also the key decision maker/scouter in the Sulemana deal - who came with a huge background from that Right to Dream Academy too. The Right to Dream setup is based strongly on analytics and data driven processes.

[AlexLaw76]

3 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Alfie House recently confirmed that Solak uses Rasmus as his key footballing advisor across the entire group, Rasmus is more hands on day to day at Goztepe I believe - but he still has a strong influence across the entire group and is almost certainly involved in the big decisions around managers.

In terms of the Ben Garner link, we recruited him from the Right to Dream Academy - which is run by a Danish person whom Rasmus has close links with. Rasmus was also the key decision maker/scouter in the Sulemana deal - who came with a huge background from that Right to Dream Academy too. The Right to Dream setup is based strongly on analytics and data driven processes.

The solak is a moron and the architect of our demise 

[saintant]

1 hour ago, Wade Garrett said:

Nick Illingsworth has written a piece on TUI suggesting that there is a poisonous element in the dressing room.  
 

Eckert should drop these wankers.  They’ll cost him his job.  I won’t be sorry to see the back of Bazunu, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning, Downes, Wood and Armstrong.  They’re shite anyway.

Is he just repeating the recent quotes from Alfie House? Seems strange that Illingsworth has written this now.

[Badger]

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

I thought he turned us down in the summer as he was looking for something bigger

I don't think anyone really knows what went on , if at all.  It was bizarre that he was widely touted, but didn't get off the ground. I always felt the Sheff Weds compensation was possibly a convenient smokescreen, and as he was intent on leaving them there would have been a deal to be done. We  spend £5/6m on Downes, or £15m on Archer but the funds dry up in obtaining a manager.

 

[saintant]

42 minutes ago, Doctoroncall said:

It would nice to get confirmed, someone posted that Ankersen still has Solak’s ear when it comes to footballing input. 
 

Besides, Ankersen has set up the data analytics in SR and I would not be surprised if it has been misused, set up incorrectly or no one really knows how to use it. Possibly a combination of the three. 

Or more likely it is a load more nonsense made up by a bloke who has no idea and has been spouting crap ever since he first became involved in our club and long before that. As the saying goes, 'Rubbish in rubbish out'

[hypochondriac]

Let's be honest no saints fan is going to shed a tear if the following were dropped:

Manning 

Stephens 

Downes 

Bazunu 

Archer

And to a lesser extent:

THB 

Woods 

Leaving a team of:

New gk 

Jelert/roeslev Edwards Quarshie Wellington 

Jander/Romeu Charles/Bragg 

Fellows Azaz/matsuki Scienza 

Armstrong/Stewart/new striker 

Probably need a new fullback and a cb but I'd happily wave goodbye to all of them. Maybe Armstrong too but I think at least he tries. I don't really know why Edwards hasn't really had much of a chance, particularly because a team above us in the league really want to sign him.

Edited Tuesday at 14:48 by hypochondriac

[Holmes_and_Watson]

10 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Right but imagine if we got someone like Gao now with no willingness to put money in and no expertise. Or a mad owner that wants to change our colours and name because they are lucky in his country. Things can always get worse, there's no guarantee that any replacement would actually be better.

Looking at their decision making track record, I'd expect nothing less than SR selling up to an absolute tyre kicker. But that too would pass.

We can be fearful of the future or embrace it (courtesy of Your 2026 in Fortune Cookies, just 200 yards from this forum)

[Holmes_and_Watson]

3 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Alfie House recently confirmed that Solak uses Rasmus as his key footballing advisor across the entire group, Rasmus is more hands on day to day at Goztepe I believe - but he still has a strong influence across the entire group and is almost certainly involved in the big decisions around managers.

In terms of the Ben Garner link, we recruited him from the Right to Dream Academy - which is run by a Danish person whom Rasmus has close links with. Rasmus was also the key decision maker/scouter in the Sulemana deal - who came with a huge background from that Right to Dream Academy too. The Right to Dream setup is based strongly on analytics and data driven processes.

It can be a lonely life, behind the painted face of a clown. But the St Mary's Big Top gives clowns a place to gather together. Whether it's from the worlds of outdated and flawed analysis or ludicrous marketing, St Mary's is the home to all self inflated buffoons.

Don't forget our new attractions! What can we shift this young player for in 6 months? and Guess if it's a Forward!

[hypochondriac]

11 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

Looking at their decision making track record, I'd expect nothing less than SR selling up to an absolute tyre kicker. But that too would pass.

We can be fearful of the future or embrace it (courtesy of Your 2026 in Fortune Cookies, just 200 yards from this forum)

Tell that to saints go Wilde. Very close to going bust and then it wouldn't pass because we wouldn't exist. I'd rather not get sold to any old chancer because even if things eventually got better we could be crippled for years. That's not to say that sports Republic are running the club well.

Edited Tuesday at 18:10 by hypochondriac

[Holmes_and_Watson]

4 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Tell that to saints go Wilde. Very close to going bust and then it wouldn't pass because we wouldn't exist. I'd rather not get sold to any old chancer because even if things eventually got better we could be crippled for years. That's not to say that sports Republic are running the club well.

I would support our Phoenix Club 🙂

[Turkish]

No wins in 6, 4 tough league games to come in January. He had to pick up a win or two over them or things are going to get very ugly, especially if we lose the derby 

[saintant]

1 minute ago, Turkish said:

No wins in 6, 4 tough league games to come in January. He had to pick up a win or two over them or things are going to get very ugly, especially if we lose the derby 

Also only 4 goals in 6 I think which is pathetic.

[Turkish]

7 minutes ago, saintant said:

Also only 4 goals in 6 I think which is pathetic.

Just read the piece on TUI about players control things, maybe it’s putting two and two together and making five but it doesn’t make sense 

[Football Special]

We should have just got Rohl while we could 

[coalman]

9 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Just read the piece on TUI about players control things, maybe it’s putting two and two together and making five but it doesn’t make sense 

I could easily believe both that there's a clique of players hungering for Martin and Rasmus is dictating playing style to our manager. We're just that big a basket case right now.

[madge]

The Alfie house comments are intriguing. As the daily echo reporter he’s so much to lose if the club see it as complete bs and shit stirring and undermining the club. But I think he’s pretty much convinced something is going on. If players are causing issues they need shipping out now. Write off this season, and start building for next season whatever division we’re in. I’d also move eckert out to, it’s plainly obvious he’s not got the in game management required at this level. I’m also convinced our style of play is forced by those above. The only manager who really tried something different was juric, and the players didn’t play for him. Clubs in a mess and the sooner SR are forced out the better.

[Turkish]

4 minutes ago, coalman said:

I could easily believe both that there's a clique of players hungering for Martin and Rasmus is dictating playing style to our manager. We're just that big a basket case right now.

the ones who were here under Martin, so that can be Baz, Manning, THB, Stephens, Downs, Frazer, Armstrong, Aribo, Archer and Edozie. I don’t reckon Stephens and Armstrong are that type but could easily see the rest as part of it 

[obelisk]

Also interesting is the Echo piece with comments from Onuachu where he claims "a lot of things were also going on behind the scenes at that time". Maybe that fits in with the clique allegations as well.

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, obelisk said:

Also interesting is the Echo piece with comments from Onuachu where he claims "a lot of things were also going on behind the scenes at that time". Maybe that fits in with the clique allegations as well.

or the constant change over of manager/staff

[Tommy Mulgrew]

For those who have not yet read it, see this:

https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/65411/daily-echo-hint-at-player-power-issues-in-southampton-squad

Edited Tuesday at 23:46 by Tommy Mulgrew
Or read the new manager thread; I hadn’t when I posted the link.

[Dark Munster]

10 hours ago, Doctoroncall said:

It would nice to get confirmed, someone posted that Ankersen still has Solak’s ear when it comes to footballing input. 
 

Besides, Ankersen has set up the data analytics in SR and I would not be surprised if it has been misused, set up incorrectly or no one really knows how to use it. Possibly a combination of the three. 

Alfie House on the TSP a few weeks back confirmed this was the case.

[Jack]

2 hours ago, Tommy Mulgrew said:

For those who have not yet read it, see this:

https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/65411/daily-echo-hint-at-player-power-issues-in-southampton-squad

You’d think that people writing such articles would be a tad more literate 

[Saint NL]

Will we ever find out what happened at half time in the West Brom game? It was all so good up until that point, and then Tonda shat the bed quite spectacularly.

 

[AlexLaw76]

1 hour ago, Saint NL said:

Will we ever find out what happened at half time in the West Brom game? It was all so good up until that point, and then Tonda shat the bed quite spectacularly.

 

Yeah, the opposition adapted

[tdmickey3]

1 hour ago, Saint NL said:

Will we ever find out what happened at half time in the West Brom game? It was all so good up until that point, and then Tonda shat the bed quite spectacularly.

 

Ekhert game management capability is a big fat ZERO

[coalman]

[Mr X]

On 06/01/2026 at 21:06, Tommy Mulgrew said:

For those who have not yet read it, see this:

https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/65411/daily-echo-hint-at-player-power-issues-in-southampton-squad

Their probably by is some truth in this to be fair.... The timing of play attacking football well to get Tonda the job and then return to russball for an easy ride seems too much of a coincidence.... There is definitely huge culture issues at the club and half the squad look lazy and slow and just going through the motions! 

[saintstowin]

I heard Warnock (Stephen) on MotD referring to the Chelsea interim manager and his age and job responsibilities. He said U21 managers are used to reviewing games after they've been played (presumably making some in-game changes too) with more of an eye on next time rather than right now. So learning that way. 

And it is only the better (experienced) managers that adapt during games, in ways that affect matches as they happen. 

I guess much of this is true and well known, but it was interesting to hear. And made me think about the lack of experience we are relying on.

You wouldn't expect a 20 year old player to suddenly carry the team in terms of performance and leadership. He would come in and out.

I was excited by the change and wins but reality has bitten.

Edited yesterday at 16:13 by saintstowin

[Lord Duckhunter]

2 hours ago, saintstowin said:

I heard Warnock (Stephen) on MotD referring to the Chelsea interim manager and his age and job responsibilities. He said U21 managers are used to reviewing games after they've been played (presumably making some in-game changes too) with more of an eye on next time rather than right now. So learning that way. 

They’re also in an environment where winning isn’t the be all and end all of their job. I wonder how much that affects their thinking.

[Turkish]

Useless isn’t he. Another SR disaster 

[Saint86]

2 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Useless isn’t he. Another SR disaster 

Plenty of people thought he was mustard @revolution saint being a prime example who was all too ready to rip into anyone who said a cautionary word early doors... 🤣😂

[AlexLaw76]

Remains woefully out his depth. Shocker...

[HarvSFC]

On 04/01/2026 at 19:56, HarvSFC said:

My issue is, is that this run of fixtures has been quite favourable. We've seemingly faced teams at the right time, out of form, like us and been outclassed and outthought each time with little to shout about.

Norwich - 23rd in the league and if not for Sheffield Wednesday would have been bottom, won 1 of their previous 16 before we rocked up. They did have a new manager bounce, but they're still only 22nd now. We should be beating them, yet they saw us off comfortably, Manning's goal gave us some hope, but Norwich won deservedly.

Coventry - Top of the league, yet they've suffered recently. 2 wins from their last 8 and played 40 minutes against us with 10 men. Yet, again, we didn't do enough to win the match and didn't test Rushworth or create enough chances to beat them.

Oxford - Sacked their manager days before we played. Against another amateur manager in Craig Short, who hasn't had a full time managerial job since 2010. They've suffered 2 defeats from 2 games since playing us, they've lost 5 of their last 7. They've won 2 of their last 13. Really poor result.

Birmingham - ANOTHER out of form side? Surely not. Today was their first win in 8 games. They've lost 4 of those 8. Yet, we went up there and gave them the run of the park. If not for Kyogo's misses they beat us comfortably.

Millwall - The theme is still going. With today's results Millwall have won 2 from 7. They have an old school manager in Alex Neil and he's done Tonda twice. Can't remember us having a shot on target against them in the second half at home while Bazunu did the unthinkable.

Middlesbrough - On a run of 3 losses from 4. Hadn't scored in any of those fixtures. So, up rolls the Southampton charity club. Smashed us 4-0 to reignite their season.

Adding context to this run makes it a lot more bleak than it actually is. We aren't losing every week to in form Premier League side's with millions of pounds pumped into their squads anymore. We're losing comfortably to Championship side's on bad run's with a fraction of the resources we have available.

 

 

 

Can add Doncaster, 23rd in League One, 12 defeats in 17, 1 win in 17 to the list of underwhelming performances.

[Wade Garrett]

 

Glad we got Eckert and not Solskjaer or Carrick.  Just think how shit that would be.

Well played SR, got rid of one pup and replaced him with a clone.

[benali-shorts]

When his eyes twitch, I think Rasmus is controlling his thoughts 

[scumbag]

I saw them twitching! Rasmus sticking pins in his voodoo doll and the back five duly followed - to cling on against Donny! Fucking useless. 

[Harry_SFC]

We won the game and he's come out of this even worse than before the match started 

[Mboto Gorge]

43 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Plenty of people thought he was mustard @revolution saint being a prime example who was all too ready to rip into anyone who said a cautionary word early doors... 🤣😂

Yeah, amazing these geniuses on here who just thought he’d be an unqualified success based on absolutely nothing or any past experience, yet anyone who dared to suggest that employing someone who’d never been a manager before, to manage a squad lacking desire and discipline already, may be a huge gamble, was called a clown. We have some fans that are naive at best, and thick as shit, At worst.

[Osvaldorama]

He’s fucking awful, sadly. 
 

Pathetic performance today. Obviously not all on him, but just everything about us is shit 

[LGTL]

Not difficult to imagine any experienced manager, from any Championship or League 1 team, doing a better a job. 

Incredible really. 

Edited 2 hours ago by LGTL

[Mboto Gorge]

It’s hard to get your team to win many games when you’re only capable of getting them to score goals and play well in only 50% of the game. Fuck knows what he is saying to them at half time but i touched on this a good few weeks ago, the signs have been there for weeks that he just can’t motivate this side to bother attacking in the second half of games if we are ahead at half time. We are yet to gain points late in a game under Eckert and the reasons for this are increasingly evident with every passing game. We are static and out of ideas or any inclination to be proactive in a game from about 60 mins onwards at best, and for the entire second half at worst,

Edited 2 hours ago by Mboto Gorge

[Mboto Gorge]

27 minutes ago, LGTL said:

Not difficult to imagine any experienced manager, from any Championship or League 1 team, doing a better a job. 

Incredible really. 

Another Turd laced string to the ever increasing shit covered Sport Republic bow. To have to sack managers through terrible results , and each time manage to replace them with someone even worse, is ridiculously incompetent and couldn’t have been done better by a Pompey fan who was deliberately trying to sabotage the club. It’s now at the point of being comical 

[Miltonaggro]

Christ, it’s just like having a youth team coach with no game / man management experience, nous, gravitas or charisma in charge of a group of pampered self-absorbed individuals. Isn’t it? 

[Willo of Whiteley]

53 minutes ago, benali-shorts said:

When his eyes twitch, I think Rasmus is controlling his thoughts 

“Revert to back five, revert to back five! The game is there to be broken, LOSE IT”

[Mboto Gorge]

4 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Christ, it’s just like having a youth team coach with no game / man management experience, nous, gravitas or charisma in charge of a group of pampered self-absorbed individuals. Isn’t it? 

If only we could have seen this coming eh? 

[die Mannyschaft]

Useless now, got no idea how to get a team playing,  gone back to Still format. Needs to go ASAP.

[die Mannyschaft]

1 hour ago, Mboto Gorge said:

Another Turd laced string to the ever increasing shit covered Sport Republic bow. To have to sack managers through terrible results , and each time manage to replace them with someone even worse, is ridiculously incompetent and couldn’t have been done better by a Pompey fan who was deliberately trying to sabotage the club. It’s now at the point of being comical 

Saints will end up in league 1, this season or next. Today confirmed our quality and level of football performance. 

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

6 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

Today confirmed our quality and level of football performance.

Which looks to be the bottom end of L1

[Turkish]

22 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

Useless now, got no idea how to get a team playing,  gone back to Still format. Needs to go ASAP.

Do you think they will admit yet another mistake? How can you get it wrong so often? 

[Harry_SFC]

Just now, Turkish said:

Do you think they will admit yet another mistake? How can you get it wrong so often? 

There's no way they would get rid before the end of the season. Just can't see it.