Southampton Manager Tonda Eckert has admitted the club’s Spygate scandal has “changed my life” after avoiding an immediate touchline ban ahead of Sunday’s game. championship clash with Portsmouth.
The 33-year-old was handed a six-week ban on Wednesday following his involvement at Southampton, secretly filming a Middlesbrough training session towards the end of last season.
The incident resulted in Southampton being kicked out of the Championship play-off final and receiving a four-point deduction for the current campaign.
Eckert accepted responsibility for his actions and was charged by the Football Association with three breaches of Rule E3.1 relating to misconduct.
Although the FA had called for a ban of at least three months, an independent panel opted for a suspended six-week ban, allowing the German to remain on the touchline.
Eckert was relieved after the Spygate verdict
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s South Coast derby against Portsmouth, Eckert expressed his relief that the disciplinary process had finally come to a conclusion.
“We had a warning on Monday,” he said.
“It’s an important week for us as a football club. We’re heading into a very important game on Sunday and to get clarity as quickly as possible in such an important game, I think it’s been a relief not only for me but for everyone involved.
“There was a good chance the verdict would have gone the other way. After so long, we have a verdict from the EFL, now we have a verdict and what you expect is not necessarily what you get in the end.
“For me it’s just to keep my head, once again I was wrong and I have to take the consequences.”
Southampton boss reveals personal impact
Eckert admitted that the prolonged investigation and uncertainty surrounding his position had taken a significant personal toll.
The German, who joined Southampton in July 2025, faced questions over his future in the summer following the club’s punishment.
However, the Southampton hierarchy continued to support him despite the controversy.
“Obviously, it makes a big difference that we can draw a line now. Not just for me, but for those close to me,” Eckert said.
“It’s hard. It changes your life. If I had to say everything has been easy from the beginning, it hasn’t been, but you have to find a way.
“You have to find a conclusion at some point in the summer if you want to continue. This first decision was not for me, but for the club.”
Eckert appreciates the support of the Southampton owners
The Southampton manager also expressed his gratitude to owner Dragan Solak and the club’s board for standing by him throughout the disciplinary process.
“I said this right away, but it’s up to me to say thank you for the support and not just Dragan, but the whole board,” he said.
“I think there are a lot of football clubs that make a different decision in the summer.
“What makes this club special is that in much harder times and especially with a lot of external pressure, we take a decision as we have done.
“It will be and not just for now, but it will be something to be forever grateful for.”
