Eckert calls for "big support" as Saints seek nine wins in a row
Tonda Eckert wants to see St Mary’s at its brilliant best when Southampton go in search of a ninth consecutive victory on Tuesday night.
Bristol City are the visitors on what could prove to be a pivotal evening in the Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion race, with third-placed Millwall travelling to Stoke and second-placed Ipswich not in action until Wednesday.
The head coach has highlighted the positive impact of the growing connection between his team and the Saints support in recent weeks, including a raucous night against Arsenal that booked a trip to Wembley in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals this weekend.
But for now Eckert’s primary focus remains on continuing his side’s flawless league form with just three Championship games to go.
“I’m very much hoping that we get the stadium as full as possible,” he said of Tuesday’s Bristol City clash (7.45pm BST).
“We’ll do everything on the pitch to transmit that energy, and we are very much hoping for big, big support from the stands.”
City are now under the management of veteran boss Roy Hodgson, 78, who suffered his first defeat at the helm in his fourth game in charge on Saturday, as Norwich ran out 4-2 winners at Ashton Gate.
The Robins had conceded only one goal in the former England manager’s three games before that, and Eckert says he knows the visitors well, helped by his friendship with Hodgson’s predecessor, Gerhard Struber.
When asked what sort of challenge he expects, Eckert replied: “A big one. I think they have been quite solid lately. Obviously I know Gerhard quite well from his spell before, so I’ve watched a lot of Bristol. I expect this to be a very, very tough game.”
Saints take on Bristol City at St Mary's on Tuesday 21st April (7.45pm BST). Tickets are on general sale now, starting from £25 for Adults and £15 for Juniors.
