The managerial merry-go-round is in full swing at Southampton, and a left-field option has emerged to take over at St. Mary’s.
Saints owners Sport Republic pulled the trigger earlier this week to remove Will Still from his duties after a poor start of the season, leaving Southampton facing the prospect of back-to-back relegations, ahead of the November international break. Under-21s manager Tonda Eckert has been put in temporary charge of the senior side while a permanent solution is found.
Mowbray Considered As An Alternative
While many names have emerged over the past 48 hours, it is unlikely that the Saints will be able to appoint their ideal candidates in Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, with both enjoying excellent starts to the season with Coventry City and Stoke City, respectively. Graeme Bailey has also stated that Steven Gerrard is a potential option after his return to Rangers fell through, and ultimately the role at Ibrox went to Danny Rohl.
Copying Sheffield United’s template of appointing their previous boss is also on the cards, with Russell Martin tipped for a return, according to TalkSPORT. However, in a new report from Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Tony Mowbray could also be in contention to be appointed on a short-term basis, offering a bridge between this campaign and the next.
Mowbray made his return to management last season with West Bromwich Albion, guiding the Baggies between January and April before agreeing to mutually depart ways. He is well-versed in the Championship, with spells at Sunderland, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough since 2010.
However, a move for Mowbray would only occur should Eckert fail to turn the ship around, with the Hampshire side happy to stick with the German in the immediate future. Nixon’s report also suggests that there is some doubt about a return for Russell Martin from within the club.
Is A Mowbray Move The Right Decision?
Sport Republic have largely failed with their appointments since taking charge on the South Coast in 2022, with Martin the only success as he led them back to the Premier League through the playoffs. This is an appointment they need to get right, or face the prospect of heading down to League One and following Luton Town in back-to-back relegations.
A move for Mowbray would be a return to a more pragmatic approach, bringing in someone who knows this division almost better than anyone else. However, it could be seen as a move of kicking the can down the road at a time where the club needs to be regalvanised to improve the atmosphere and hopes of a Premier League calibre club.
