The latest Championship headlines as Middlesbrough's rivals prepare for the new season
15:15, 01 Jun 2026
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert could face action.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert(Image: Getty Images)
Tonda Eckert could keep his job as Southampton head coach next season, amid reports the majority of Saints' players backed him after the Spygate scandal.
Eckert eventually admitted that he sanctioned the spying on Boro’s training session ahead of the play-off semi-finals, while the club admitted further breaches of watching Oxford and Ipswich training sessions too.
The subsequent EFL disciplinary proceedings resulted in Southampton being expelled from the play-offs, casting doubt over the future of the German. However, he claimed not to know it was against the rules, because it’s common practice elsewhere in Europe.
As the EFL wrapped up their disciplinary action, the FA are now conducting their own investigation, with a lengthy ban a possibility for the 33-year-old. However, if that doesn’t come, Eckert could remain in the dugout for the Saints next season.
That’s after a weekend report from the Sun claimed that, while angry at the situation costing them their chance at promotion, the majority of the players believe he offers them their best chance at battling for a Premier League return next term.
It is said the players were involved in meetings last week to discuss how the club should move forward from the Spygate scandal, with Eckert’s future on the agenda.The wider football world had expected the German would be immediately sacked. But it now appears he might stay on, adding even more spice to the games where Boro and Southampton meet next season.
Rob Edwards closes in on first Championship transfer
Another fixture for Boro that will have extra spice next season will be those against Wolves, assuming former Boro boss Rob Edwards remains in charge at Molineux.
Despite taking over with Wolves already looking doomed, many fans voiced frustrations with the head coach towards the end of the season, with Edwards facing up to chants and questions about his future.
As things stand, however, Edwards is set to be given the chance to lead Wolves into next season, and he’s already close to completing a statement signing.
According to various reports, Wolves have a verbal agreement with former England international Kieran Trippier, who is a free agent this summer following his exit from Newcastle United.
The right-back will reportedly sign a two-year deal with the Midlands club, which will also include an option for a further 12 months. He will become the first summer signing in what is expected to be a big summer rebuild.
Edwards excited for the future
As for Edwards and his future at Wolves, he insists he remains excited for next season and turning the club’s fortunes around, having managed only five wins from his 30 games in charge.
Edwards said: “It would be amazing. It's a club that is close to my heart and I really feel passionately about being a part of turning things around.
“There's been a number of seasons now where we've been dropping down and culminating in this. I knew coming in, my eyes were wide open, that this was going to be very difficult.
“I thought I was going to have to take some stick and I was going to have to stand up to it and stay strong. But also knowing that if we can get things right here, it could be amazing and that's what I'm going to try and concentrate on now.”
Manager comments on future amid Burnley links
Another club returning to the Championship after relegation this season is Burnley. Unlike Wolves and West Ham who are sticking with their current head coaches, the Clarets on the look out for a new boss after parting company with Scott Parker.
Currently, Steven Gerrard is the bookies’ favourite to take the role, which would be his first since leaving Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in January 2025. Speaking while part of TNT’s Champions League final coverage over the weekend, however, the Liverpool legend was non-committal to even returning to management at all.
Gerrard said: “Who knows? You never shut a door. I’m enjoying my work-life balance. Coaching is tough, it’s challenging. I’ve had some really big opportunities and I enjoyed a lot of it, but at the moment -.family time, TNT, doing some other bits around what I do, travelling.
"I’m really happy at the moment. I’m getting lots of time with my kids, which I’ve missed while I have been coaching, so at the moment I would say maybe.”
Mowbray mentioned for Blackburn return
Another Championship club on the look out for a new manager this summer is Blackburn Rovers. That’s after Michael O’Neill saved them from relegation while doing the job alongside his role as Northern Ireland boss. At the end of the season, he committed to Northern Ireland, rejecting an offer to stay at Ewood Park.
A number of potential replacements have been mooted for Blackburn, with Slaven Bilic said to have been in talks. However, they’ve now reportedly stalled. Boro legend Tony Mowbray was linked with a return over the weekend, by former Sun journalist Alan Nixon, on his Patreon.
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Meanwhile, former Hartlepool United boss Dave Challinor is also now being linked with the vacant role after it was confirmed that he will leave League One side Stockport County following their defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final.
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Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
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