SAINTS head coach Tonda Eckert has been named Championship Manager of the Month for April, marking his third consecutive scoop of the award.
Eckert navigated a punishing schedule that stretched Saints across eight matches in 24 days, including an FA Cup quarter-final victory over Arsenal.
Saints also played a Wembley semi-final against Manchester City, but picked up 14 points from six unbeaten Championship matches, scoring 16 goals.
They picked up wins against Wrexham, Swansea, Derby and Blackburn, alongside draws with Bristol City and Ipswich, to seal play-off qualification.
On winning the award again, Eckert said: "It’s a real honour to receive this award again, but it’s one that belongs to everyone at the football club.
"The players and staff have been outstanding, and our supporters continue to give us incredible backing every week.
"To win it three times in a row is something we can be proud of, but our focus remains fully on the games ahead. We’ve built a strong mentality as a group.
"We have to keep pushing to finish the season as strongly as possible."
Eckert becomes only the second Championship boss to win three consecutive awards, after Burnley's Vincent Kompany during the 2022/23 season.
Former player and Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: "Southampton had a tough run of fixtures and a cup run to contend with in April.
"Eckert did a brilliant job of guiding his side through it, and his clever rotation wasn’t a hindrance to them keeping their momentum going.
"They picked up a brilliant 16 points from six games in April."
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies, also on the judging panel, added: "Southampton began the season as 6/4 second favourites for promotion.
"However, a difficult and luckless run under former manager Will Still saw their odds drift as far as 6/1 for a return to the Premier League.
"The appointment of Eckert at the start of November proved to be the turning point. Since taking charge, he has been nothing short of a revelation.
"Under his leadership, Southampton surged up the table and ultimately secured a fourth-place finish heading into the play-offs.
"Southampton are now the deserved favourites at 15/8, with Eckert’s impact giving fans real belief in a return to the Premier League."
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