Oxford's Bloomfield praises 'incredible job' done by Eckert Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield has commended Saints head coach Tonda Eckert for his "incredible job" since taking over at St Mary's. The 33-year-old coach has led Southampton from 21st place in the Championship to a position inside the top six, with eight games remaining in the season. Eckert now appears set to guide the team into the play-offs, with promotion to the Premier League within reach. Bloomfield, who has saved Oxford United from the brink of relegation and left them just one point from safety, praised Eckert ahead of their upcoming match against Southampton. "They are a very, very good team. One of, if not the, in-form team in the league. It’s going to be a very stern test for us," he said. Bloomfield highlighted the quality of Southampton's squad, noting the presence of players who have competed in the Premier League and were signed for significant fees. "They’ve got some fantastic players, lots that have played in the Premier League, been recruited for millions and are very well coached," he added. The manager emphasized the challenge posed by Southampton, stating that Oxford must be at their best to secure a result. "We know we’re up against a very tough team tomorrow, so we’re going to have to be at our best if we’re going to take something from the game," he said. Bloomfield also acknowledged Eckert’s ability to manage an elite squad, calling his work "a fantastic job." "They’ve got such an elite group of players for this league, but he’s done a fantastic job," he said. Bloomfield took charge of Oxford United in January after Southampton’s visit to Kassam Stadium, and has earned 16 points from his 12 Championship matches.#southampton #st_mary_s #tonda_eckert #matt_bloomfield #oxford_united
Eckert: Players in Good Form Ahead of West Brom Clash Saints' head coach Tonda Eckert confirmed his squad is in good shape ahead of the club's midweek fixture against West Bromwich Albion. The team will face the Baggies at The Hawthorns on Wednesday night following a return to league action after their FA Cup victory over Fulham on Sunday. Eckert highlighted that key players Jack Stephens and Shea Charles are set to rejoin the squad, aligning with his previous statements about their availability. The Saints will embark on a challenging doubleheader in the Midlands, starting with the trip to West Brom and followed by a clash against league leaders Coventry City on Saturday. Eckert emphasized that the team remains focused on maintaining momentum from their recent cup success. However, the squad will be without long-term absentee Mads Roerslev, who is sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury. Welington and Jay Robinson are also unlikely to return for the match at The Hawthorns. Eckert also addressed the disciplinary situation, noting that both Flynn Downes and James Bree are one yellow card away from a two-game suspension due to their caution counts. The duo currently sits on nine cautions for the season, putting them in a precarious position heading into the midweek game. The team will return to St Mary's for a home fixture against Norwich City on Wednesday, 18th March, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm GMT. Ticket details for the match were provided, with adult tickets starting at £25 and junior tickets at £15. All previously purchased tickets for the original date remain valid for the rescheduled game.#the_hawthorns #west_bromwich_albion #tonda_eckert #st_mary_s #coventry_city
