SAINTS have confirmed the appointment of German coach Tonda Eckert as the club's new under-21s boss, as reported by the Daily Echo.

Eckert, 32, joins the club having served as Genoa's assistant manager in Serie A last season and replaces Calum McFarlane.

The under-21s reached the Premier League 2 play-off final last season, losing 2-0 to Manchester City, and saw several players make their senior debuts.

Eckert takes over the side with senior coaching experience having worked as a first team coach at Barnsley in the 2020/21 Championship season.

He has also coached at the likes of Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig at Academy level, and won the UEFA Youth League with RB Salzburg’s under-18s.

Director of group talent strategy, Andy Goldie, said: “To attract a coach of his calibre is a testament to the progress that has been made on and off the pitch, and the success we have had in not only developing players but our staff also.

“It’s also important to recognise the legacy of work that Calum McFarlane leaves as he moves onto the next step of his career.

"We’re grateful for his role in the progress of a number of our young players and he leaves with our best wishes."