Who could succeed Will Steele after Southampton’s sacking?

Whatever the next date is, the Saints have already given plenty of reasons for optimism after last week.

They spent big money on Azaz and Veloz over the summer – two players who at the time had proven their worth in the tournament, and are now starting to show signs of progress.

Midfielder Shea Charles was excellent in the Championship last season while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, Sienza has shown his qualities after arriving late in the window, while Harwood-Bellis and Nathan Wood have the potential to be among the best midfielders in the Championship.

Although there is undoubted talent throughout the squad, it will likely take the right coach to discover it.

“While every appointment represents a risk, I would like to see Saints mitigate some of that risk by selecting a manager who delivers on the Championship, has a good knowledge of the English game and market and, most importantly, can lead the dressing room because of what they have achieved in the game,” Blackmore said.

“Whether it’s Michael Carrick, Carlos Corberan or whoever else might be available soon, they will need to have assurance that they will get paid for a proven goalscorer in January to give them a chance to bounce back this season.

“Eckert might get the job though. If so, he better hope he gets the support of the board and players quickly because taking the easy and cheap option rarely works, and Sport Republic would do well to back him in the transfer market to give him a chance.

“If they hired him and found themselves firing him a few months later, the oft-described definition of insanity would be plain for all to see.”