Southampton begin their Championship season with head coach Tonda Eckert’s future unresolved as he awaits an FA misconduct hearing over the club’s spying scandal. The outcome matters because a lengthy ban could prevent Eckert from managing and potentially force Southampton to appoint a replacement during the campaign.

The FA charged Eckert on 22 July after Southampton admitted spying on three clubs last season; the EFL expelled the club from the play-offs in May and imposed a four-point deduction for this season. A hearing is expected in mid-September, though any appeal could delay a final decision, while owner Dragan Solak has said Eckert deserves a second chance and the club is considering contingency plans.