Southampton have decided to retain head coach Tonda Eckert despite his involvement in a spying scandal that derailed their 2025-26 season and led to their expulsion from the playoff final. Club owner Dragan Solak expressed his support, stating Eckert deserves a second chance due to his exceptional managerial talent.
Solak Backs Eckert
In a statement, Solak said: 'I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him. My full support would be behind him because I think he's a super-talented manager.' The decision mirrors Leeds United's handling of Marcelo Bielsa after a similar binoculars-related incident in 2018-19, which preceded their promotion to the Premier League.
Public Apology
Eckert released an eight-minute video apologizing for the incident. 'For everything that has happened I want to apologise. I hold my hands up because as a head coach I am responsible. I am devastated that the season has come to an end in the worst possible way. I am a young coach, I have made a mistake, and I take full responsibility,' he said. He claimed ignorance of the rules and will spend the summer studying the EFL handbook.
Solak warned Eckert: 'You almost broke my heart. You do it again, you'll kill me. The next time I see you in July, if you don't know the EFL book of rules by heart, you can't work for me.' The owner expressed hope that Eckert will learn from the experience and achieve an incredible career.
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