Sean Dyche On Standby as Eckert Awaits FA Verdict in Southampton Spygate Fallout

Southampton have sounded out Sean Dyche about becoming their next manager if under-fire boss Tonda Eckert is hit with a lengthy Football Association ban over the club’s damaging Spygate scandal, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Saints are drawing up contingency plans despite owner Dragan Solak publicly giving Eckert his full backing in the wake of the controversy that has rocked the club.

Southampton were thrown out of the Championship play-offs and handed a four-point deduction for next season after an independent commission found Eckert had authorised a spying operation targeting rival clubs.

While Solak has made it clear he wants Eckert to remain in charge, the club are still awaiting the outcome of an FA investigation, which could yet result in further disciplinary action against the German coach.

In a strong show of support, Solak recently declared, "We believe he's the man to take us forward. As a board, we are fully behind him."

Eckert has also publicly apologised for his role in the scandal, admitting: "I hold my hand up for my actions."

RESPONSABILITY

The German has accepted responsibility for his involvement and is now waiting to learn whether the FA will impose further sanctions following the conclusions of the independent investigation.

However, behind the scenes, Southampton are also preparing for the possibility that the governing body could impose a substantial suspension.

SportsBoom understands the club has already made informal enquiries about the availability of former Everton and Burnley boss Dyche should they suddenly find themselves needing a new man in the dugout.

The experienced 54-year-old is currently out of work and is viewed by many inside the game as one of the safest pairs of hands in English football.

Dyche earned a reputation for building tough, organised teams during his successful spell at Burnley, where he twice won promotion to the Premier League and established the Clarets as a top-flight force against the odds.

He later steered Everton through a turbulent period at Goodison Park and remains highly regarded for his ability to work under pressure.

Dyche has also been linked with an emotional return to Burnley this summer, while he was previously mooted for the West Brom job before they appointed James Morrison permanently.

UNWAVERING

Southampton's interest does not necessarily signal the end for Eckert. Far from it. Solak has been unwavering in his support for the manager, insisting he remains the right man to lead the club forward despite the embarrassment and financial damage caused by the scandal.

But Southampton's hierarchy knows they cannot afford to be caught off guard if the FA opts to impose a lengthy touchline ban.

Such a punishment would leave the Saints facing the prospect of beginning a crucial Championship campaign without their manager in the technical area, forcing the board to consider whether a permanent change is required.

The uncertainty has inevitably fuelled speculation over who could replace Eckert if the situation deteriorates.

REPUTATION

Dyche's proven Championship pedigree, promotion-winning record and reputation as a no-nonsense operator have made him an obvious candidate.

The former Toffees and Clarets chief is understood to be keen on a return to management and would undoubtedly be attracted by the challenge of restoring Southampton to the Premier League.

For now, Solak's public backing means Eckert remains firmly in place at St Mary's.

But with the FA yet to deliver its verdict, Southampton are preparing for every possible outcome.

And should the governing body's decision ultimately force the Saints into a managerial change, Dyche is emerging as one of the leading contenders waiting in the wings.