The summer break did not last long.

On Episode 383 of the Total Saints Podcast, Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House to react to another extraordinary week at Southampton Football Club.

The week began with the written reasons from the League Arbitration Panel, including further details around the WhatsApp messages, the pressure placed on junior members of staff and the panel’s view of how the situation unfolded. Saints then released their own statement, followed by video messages from Dragan Solak and Tonda Eckert.

With nobody losing their job and Dragan making it clear that Tonda has his backing, the panel discuss whether Saints have opted for pragmatism and continuity rather than a full reset. Is this now a siege mentality moment? Has the club decided that the best way through the chaos is to stick together, move on and focus everything on promotion?

There is also a wider look at the fan reaction, which has been far from straightforward. Some supporters remain angry about the damage done to the club’s reputation, while others are already turning their attention to next season and the importance of getting back to the Premier League. The panel ask whether results will ultimately decide how quickly this fades, and whether a strong start to the season could change the mood very quickly.

The FA investigation is also still hanging over the club. Tonda may have Dragan’s support, but if further punishment follows, Saints could yet find themselves dealing with another major twist before the new season begins.

Elsewhere, the panel look ahead to what business as usual might actually mean. With season ticket information, the retained list, contract decisions and summer recruitment still to come, there are plenty of questions about how Saints now rebuild and whether Dragan’s promise of an exciting team will be matched by action in the transfer market.

There is also discussion on Saints Women, with Aimee Palmer, Tara Bourne and Atlanta Primus among the confirmed summer departures, raising further questions about another rebuild and the challenge of pushing for promotion next season.

Plus, there’s a look ahead to Ryan Garner’s huge world title fight at St Mary’s, updates on the TSP World Cup sweepstake for Patreon members, and a thank you to the supporters after more than 100 end-of-season merch packages were sent out over the weekend.

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tonda eckert