Tonda Eckert believes the restored connection with supporters is the foundation of Southampton's formidable home form. The head coach, who took over with the club 21st in the Championship last November, has overseen a league-best 47 points at St Mary's, a run that includes three wins from three at home this season.

Earning back trust

Eckert was promoted from the Under-21s to replace Will Still during a turbulent period. He acknowledged the relationship with fans was fractured at the time. "You know the condition the club was in when I came in and you know the condition our supporters were in the moment I came in," Eckert told reporters. He said it is not easy to perform without that link, and the process of rebuilding it required many small steps to earn back trust. "It was about showing them we were fighting for the same thing, that we cared as much as they did," he explained, detailing efforts to engage more openly with fan groups and improve communication from the club.

The work has paid off, with attendances consistently around 30,000, among the top 20 in the country. This renewed atmosphere has coincided with a strong start to the new campaign. Southampton currently sit ninth in the Championship with 10 points from seven games, a position built on a recent 4-1 victory over Bristol City.

Injury update on Jander

Eckert also provided an update on midfielder Caspar Jander. The 23-year-old, who has yet to feature this season after injuring his quad in a pre-season friendly against Eastleigh, will not be ready for the immediate schedule. The manager confirmed Saturday's game came too early for him, but the club is hopeful he can get some minutes in the away match against Wrexham on 19 September. "We're going to push, so hopefully it's going to be some minutes against Wrexham," Eckert said. "We had to delay a little bit, but I think he's on a good way now." The manager added that Jander's rehabilitation is progressing well and that a careful reintegration is planned. Fans can check the latest injuries list for all squad news.

With the next challenge a trip to 19th-placed Wrexham, Eckert's side will look to extend their two-game winning run and continue climbing the table. The fixture at the Racecourse Ground presents an opportunity to build momentum ahead of a busy period, with Eckert emphasizing the need to maintain the standards set at St Mary's while on the road.

This story first appeared at bbc.com