Tonda Eckert has made history by claiming a third consecutive Championship Manager of the Month award for April—a remarkable hat-trick that speaks volumes about Southampton's stunning form under his leadership.

The Saints were simply unstoppable last month, going unbeaten in the league and collecting 14 points from six matches. Their momentum also carried them to an FA Cup semi-final, where they pushed Manchester City all the way before narrowly falling short.

That relentless run helped Southampton secure a fourth-place finish in the Championship table, earning them a play-off spot. Next up is a two-legged semi-final against Middlesbrough, with the first leg set for Saturday, 9 May, on Teesside (12:30 BST kick-off).

"It's a real honour to receive this award again, but it's one that belongs to everyone at the football club," Eckert said. "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, and we have to keep pushing to finish the season as strongly as possible."

Eckert beat off stiff competition from Coventry City's Frank Lampard, Portsmouth's John Mousinho, and Blackburn Rovers boss Michael O'Neill to take the prize—proof that the Championship's managerial talent pool is as deep as ever this season.