Birmingham City boss Chris Davies will face Tonda Eckert again next season after Southampton decided against sacking their manager over the spy-gate scandal that led to their play-off expulsion.
Spy-Gate Fallout
Southampton admitted to spying on Middlesbrough before their play-off semi-final, as well as on Oxford and Ipswich during the regular season. As a result, they were barred from the play-off final. Middlesbrough, who had lost to Southampton over two legs, were reinstated but subsequently lost 1-0 to Hull City in the Wembley showpiece.
Owner's Decision
Southampton owner Dragan Solak issued a statement confirming Eckert will keep his job. "I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him," Solak told BBC Sport. "My full support would be behind him because I think he's a super-talented manager. I told him: 'You almost broke my heart. You do it again, you'll kill me. The next time I see you in July, if you don't know the EFL book of rules by heart, you can't work for me. We can't have another mistake.' I truly hope he will learn from this experience and achieve an incredible career."
Managerial Stability Across the Championship
Southampton have not joined the managerial merry-go-round. Relegated West Ham have confirmed they will stick with Nuno Espirito Santo, who previously led Wolves to the Championship title in 2017/18. Wolves also appear to be keeping faith with Rob Edwards. Burnley sacked Scott Parker late last season and are one of three Championship clubs seeking a new boss, along with Blackburn Rovers and Watford. Lincoln City lost manager Michael Skubala to Bristol City but quickly appointed Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw as joint head coaches.
Of the existing Championship clubs, only Birmingham City, Bolton, Cardiff, Charlton, Derby, Millwall, Portsmouth, Preston, QPR, Stoke, and Wrexham still employ the same manager they started last season with.
