Ryan Manning picks sides in Russell Martin vs Tonda Eckert Championship debate

Southampton left-back Ryan Manning gives his vote of confidence to the Saints’ ongoing streak under Tonda Eckert over the historic 25-game unbeaten spell under Russell Martin.

Southampton are undergoing a dream run under Tonda Eckert. They have knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, secured consecutive wins over playoff contenders Wrexham and Derby, and navigated a frantic week, all while extending their unbeaten streak to 17 games.

While this form has fans hopeful of promotion, the current streak is drawing comparisons with the club’s best‑ever run of 25 games unbeaten. And fairly so, given Southampton can still finish the season with 25 games without defeat.

If that happens, Tonda Eckert will match ex-boss Russell Martin’s 2023/24 promotion feat with the same number of games unbeaten. That would make the debate over which streak has been more impressive even more subjective.

Notably, in‑form full‑back Ryan Manning may have a tiebreaker verdict. Having been a fan-favourite under Eckert and been managed by Martin at multiple clubs, the 29‑year‑old is well placed to settle the debate.

Ryan Manning’s past under Russell Martin

Manning was a regular Championship starter for QPR long before joining Southampton. After an excellent 2019/20 season with the R’s, he earned a move to promotion favourites Swansea.

Ryan Manning’s first season at Swansea was far from impressive. But everything changed when Russell Martin arrived at the club in the summer of 2021.

Over the next two years, Manning became an untouchable starter for Russell Martin’s team. After a blistering 2021/22 campaign and an exceptional 2022/23 season in which he registered 15 goal contributions, Martin was beyond impressed with Manning.

That led to Russell Martin bringing Manning with him when Southampton came calling for his managerial services ahead of the 2023/24 season. Ryan Manning became the first signing of Russell Martin’s massive overhaul at the club.

Fast forward to now, and Ryan Manning has become a crucial part of Southampton’s setup. Though his contributions go underrated, Russell Martin deserves credit for scouting him and bringing him to the club.

Russell Martin’s 25-game run Vs Tonda Eckert’s ongoing streak

Given Russell Martin’s belief in Manning, it’s no surprise that the full‑back was a regular in Southampton’s 2023/24 promotion run. Manning remains one of the few Saints to have been part of both that 25‑game unbeaten streak and the current ongoing one.

Notably, the 2023/24 streak emerged as early as the ninth league matchday. That 25-game unbeaten spell saw Southampton navigate past multiple promotion contenders, Leeds, West Brom, Hull, and Norwich, while also reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup with wins over Walsall and Watford.

Comparatively, Southampton’s 2025/26 streak has picked up momentum at a much more crucial time. Despite an underwhelming start under Will Still, Tonda Eckert’s side have defeated promotion contenders like Coventry, Wrexham, and Derby, alongside a remarkable FA Cup run that has taken them to the semi‑finals.

Having knocked out Premier League sides Fulham and Arsenal along the way, the catalogue of wins in Eckert’s unbeaten streak is arguably more celebrated and convincing than the one under Russell Martin.

Manning sides with Eckert’s streak for its timing and importance

It may surprise some, but Ryan Manning believes Southampton’s ongoing streak under Eckert has been more clinical than the 25‑game run. Given its timing and the convincing nature of the results, Manning gives his vote to Eckert over his respected former boss.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, Manning said: “The games are coming at the end of the season, where three points matter hugely. We’ve also had the FA Cup run. If you beat Arsenal and you beat Fulham away, it feels a little different.”

One of the reasons Manning’s verdict will resonate with supporters is the brand of football Southampton plays under Tonda Eckert. While the club were effective under Martin as well, this attacking style with a clear winning intent is something fans have missed for a long time.

That is supported by the higher win percentage in Eckert’s ongoing run compared to Martin’s 25‑game unbeaten streak. Beyond the stats, the German manager’s convincing style has left fans confident that the club would fare much better in the Premier League if they get promoted this term.

Overall, Southampton will hope the Tonda Eckert‑led Saints maintain their unbeaten streak for as long as possible. If they can retain the manager and their core squad ahead of next season, a much better Premier League campaign could await them than their 2024/25 relegation season.