'Premier League return well and truly in Saints' sights'

TL;DR

Southampton's Tonda Eckert has led the team to an unbeaten streak of 17 games since his appointment as caretaker manager in November. The club is now in a playoff position, despite not being recognized in the manager of the season shortlist.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert looks out with a focused look on his face and claps his hands in front of his face. He wear two silver rings on his right hand and a navy hooded puffer jacket.

Tonda Eckert won Championship manager of the month for March [PA Media]

The EFL could well have egg on their face. No place for Tonda Eckert on the manager of the season shortlist? Southampton's social media post simply reads, "just don't think they understand".

They were a place above the relegation zone when the unknown German was appointed caretaker in November following the sacking of Will Still.

Now Saints are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions and sitting comfortably in a play-off spot with a game in hand.

Plus they'll hope there's still three trips to Wembley to come, with a date already in the diary - on 25 April - to take on Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final.

It's not beyond the realms of possibility that they'll compete for an automatic promotion spot in their five remaining Championship games.

No matter what happens in the run-in, there's surely no doubt that Eckert will lead Saints next season. At the turn of the year a Premier League return looked impossible; it's now well and truly in their sights.

Q&A

How did Tonda Eckert turn Southampton's season around?

Tonda Eckert transformed Southampton's performance by leading them to an unbeaten streak of 17 games since taking over as caretaker manager.

What position is Southampton currently in the Championship standings?

Southampton is currently sitting comfortably in a playoff spot in the Championship with a game in hand.

Why was Tonda Eckert not included in the manager of the season shortlist?

Despite his successful run, Tonda Eckert was not included in the manager of the season shortlist, leading to criticism and confusion among fans and the club.