Southampton owner backs head coach Eckert despite spying scandal
Southampton owner Dragan Solak stated he will not sack head coach Tonda Eckert, despite the “mistake” Eckert made by authorizing a spying campaign against rival Championship clubs. Solak told BBC Sport he believes Eckert deserves a second chance and called him a “super-talented manager.” Eckert guided Southampton from a relegation battle to a fourth-place finish and the Championship promotion play-offs, but the club was expelled from the play-offs and deducted four points for the 2026–27 season after admitting to observing opponents’ training sessions. An independent disciplinary commission accepted Eckert orchestrated what it called a “contrived and determined plan from the top down.” Solak said he issued Eckert a warning and expects him to learn the EFL rule book by heart. The Football Association is still investigating and could decide to charge Eckert.
What’s reported
Southampton owner Dragan Solak told BBC Sport he will not sack head coach Tonda Eckert.
Solak described the spying as a “mistake” and said he believes Eckert “deserves a second chance.”
Eckert was appointed on a permanent basis in December and led Southampton to fourth place in the Championship and the promotion play-offs.
Southampton were expelled from the play-offs and deducted four points for the 2026-27 season after admitting to spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough.
An independent disciplinary commission said Eckert accepted he orchestrated the spying plan.
Solak said he told Eckert: “You almost broke my heart. You do it again, you’ll kill me.”
The FA is investigating the scandal and could charge Eckert.
Solak stated he would support Eckert even if banned, but cannot have him manage if banned.
Solak learned of the spying from social media and said top club officials were unaware.
Solak called the punishment “ridiculous” and compared spying to diving, saying diving has more direct impact on match results.
A junior analyst intern was sent to spy on Middlesbrough; Solak said he felt pity for the intern and offered him a prolonged job.
Solak acknowledged the club’s initial response to the EFL was “imperfect” due to a 12-hour deadline.
Open questions
Whether the FA will charge Tonda Eckert and what penalty he might face.
Which specific players might want to leave or take legal action over lost promotion bonuses.
How many British analysts at Southampton knew about the spying and why they did not report it.
Key figures
Dragan Solak – Southampton owner and Serb businessman.
Tonda Eckert – Southampton head coach, 33, German.
A junior analyst intern – unnamed, sent to spy on Middlesbrough training.
Sources: BBC News
