Southampton Back Manager Despite Costly ‘Spygate’ Fallout - Report

Last Updated:June 02, 2026, 15:51 IST

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has backed manager Tonda Eckert despite the club’s ‘Spygate’ scandal, insisting the young coach deserves a second chance.

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has thrown his support behind manager Tonda Eckert, insisting the young coach deserves a second chance despite his role in the scandal that cost the club a place in the Championship playoff final.

The controversy erupted after Southampton were expelled from last month’s playoff final — often dubbed the richest match in football due to the financial rewards of Premier League promotion.

The club admitted to observing opponents’ training sessions within 72 hours of matches, a breach of English Football League regulations.

An Independent Disciplinary Commission found that Eckert had signed off on the plan, placing the spotlight firmly on the Southampton manager. However, Solak believes the punishment should not spell the end of his tenure.

‘He Deserves a Second Chance’

Speaking to the BBC, the Serbian billionaire made it clear that he has no intention of dismissing Eckert.

“I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him," Solak said. “My full support would be behind him because I think he’s a super-talented manager."

Solak added that he genuinely believes Eckert was unaware he was breaking a rule.

“I believe Tonda when he says he didn’t know it was against the regulations. The board and I see him as a manager worth backing and supporting."

While Solak plans to consult players, staff and supporters before making any final decisions, his stance remains clear.

“If it ultimately comes down to me, he stays," he said.

Eckert Issues Apology

Eckert has since publicly apologised, admitting responsibility for the incident in a video posted on Southampton’s social media channels.

The coach explained that observing training sessions was common practice in some of the leagues where he had previously worked.

“There are different rules in the EFL and I should have known them," Eckert said. “I am a young coach. I made a mistake and I take full responsibility."

A Stern Warning

Although Solak has chosen to stand by his manager, he revealed he has already delivered a blunt warning about future conduct.

“I told him: ‘You almost broke my heart. You do it again, you’ll kill me,’" Solak said.

The owner joked that when the pair meet again in July, Eckert should know the EFL rulebook “by heart".

(with Reuters inputs)

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Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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