There are still some sceptics who are not convinced about Tonda Eckert, they say we should have appointed a manager with Championship experience and that is what counts at this level, well everyone has to start somewhere and so far as the stats that matter testify, he has done very well.

planetfootball.com has revealed that in the Championship table since he was appointed, Tonda Eckert is top of the League.

With 38 points out of the last 21 games and a goal difference of +15, he is joint top with Ipswich & Middlesbrough, although in fairness Ipswich in that time have played 1 game less for their 38 points due to Pompey calling off their game there twice.

This highlights the good job he has been doing since he took over from Will Still and inherited a squad that was bloated, unmotivated and if you believe the rumours with cliques formed in the dressing room, some of which were themselves not very happy with Eckert taking over.

Although this is a table that could change quickly, indeed it could alter by the end of tonight, the fact that Tonda is top this morning is perhaps justification that Sport Republic were right to appoint him.

As some will point out stats are not the be all and end all of a manager, but there is one stat that does truly matter and that is points gained.

At the moment Eckert's points per game ratio stands at 1.81 per game, if he had started the season at Saints and maintained that ratio, we would have 61-62 points at the moment and would stand in 3rd position and within 4 points of the top of the league, that is how well Eckert has done.

If he had done that over a season it would be good enough to get in the play offs.

But that is all if only's, we have to look at what is achievable and that reaching the play offs and to do that we will have to hit a points per game ratio of over 2 points per game, probably around 2.50 and that will be a tough task.

However to put that is perspective in the last 6 games we have gained 14 points, that is 2.34 per game, in simple terms we have to repeat that in the next 6 games and then again in the last 6 games and some.

So we do not have much leeway, we have to win, win and win again and keep winning, the good news though is that this season will probably see a lower total needed to get to the play offs, possibly as low as 75 points.

But in his time so far Tonda Eckert has defied some of his critics, those who said he was not good enough to manager at this level and an experienced manager brought in, have now see him match every other manager in the division, he has done as well as anyone could have hoped.

He is still learning and improving and that has led to some poor games, but we seem to take two steps forward with every step back.

Perhaps it will not end in promotion or even the play offs, but for once we seem to have a manager who is giving us a signature style of play and it gives us hope that if this isn't our season, then perhaps the next one may be.

Football is a fickle mistress, the next 6 games could see our play off hopes soar or it could see them ended, but we are not Southampton supporters for guaranteed success, it is the hope that keeps us going, so enjoy the ride.

All Photos Via Reuters