Southampton owner will not sack apologetic Eckert despite role in spying scandal Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has accepted full responsibility and apologized for orchestrating a spying scandal that resulted in the club being removed from the Championship playoff final. Eckert cited his coaching experiences in Germany and Italy, and Pep Guardiola’s comments, as context for the spying missions. Owner Dragan Solak stated his intention to keep Eckert as head coach, believing he is the right person to lead the club to promotion to the Premier League.

• Tonda Eckert, Southampton’s head coach, has apologized for orchestrating a spying scandal.
• The scandal led to Southampton being disqualified from the Championship playoff final.
• Eckert accepted full responsibility and apologized to affected clubs and supporters.
• Owner Dragan Solak expressed support for Eckert, aiming for Premier League promotion next season.
• Eckert explained the spying as “context” from his coaching background in Germany and Italy.
• The Football Association is also investigating Eckert.
• Eckert stated that the spying had no impact on sporting performance.
• Solak indicated a desire to “close the chapter” and move forward with Eckert and his staff.