Southampton owner will not sack head coach Eckert

Southampton Owner Declines to Remove Head Coach Eckert Amid Spying Controversy

Southampton owner will not sack head - Southampton’s owner, Dragan Solak, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting head coach Tonda Eckert, stating the manager "deserves a second chance" following a recent controversy involving a spying campaign against rival Championship clubs. The Serb businessman, who acquired a majority stake in the club in 2022, shared these remarks in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport. Despite Eckert's admission of a "mistake" in authorizing the surveillance, Solak remains confident in his leadership, emphasizing that the club's board will not take any immediate action to replace him.

Owner's Stance on Eckert's Future

Speaking from Slovenia, Solak explained his decision to retain Eckert, highlighting the manager's "super-talented" reputation and his potential for an "incredible career." The owner also noted that he would consult with the team, players, and fans before making a final judgment. "I will obviously seek advice from the team. I will seek advice from the players, from the fans," Solak said, underscoring his collaborative approach. However, he warned Eckert that a repeat of the error could lead to more severe consequences, including the possibility of losing his position.

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

The owner’s comments came after Eckert issued a public apology in a video message posted on the club’s social media accounts. In the eight-minute clip, the 33-year-old German coach acknowledged his responsibility for the incident, which involved monitoring training sessions of opposing teams. "For everything that has happened I want to apologise. I hold my hands up because as a head coach I am responsible," Eckert said, expressing his regret over the situation.

Eckert described the end of the season as particularly heartbreaking, noting that the team had worked tirelessly to rebuild trust with supporters. "I am devastated that after six months of building that relationship [with supporters] back up, the season has come to an end, an end that couldn't have left us in a worse place than we are in right now," he added. The coach also emphasized his willingness to learn from the experience, hoping to turn it into a valuable lesson for his future.

Spreading the Scandal: A Strategic Move?

The spying scandal escalated after Southampton admitted to observing training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough. An independent disciplinary commission confirmed that Eckert had orchestrated a "contrived and determined plan from the top down," leading to a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season. The EFL’s rules, which prohibit such actions, were cited as the reason for the punishment.

"I am a young coach, I have made a mistake, and I take full responsibility," Eckert said in his apology.

Despite the criticism, Eckert defended his actions by citing the widespread practice of intelligence gathering in football. "When I worked in Italy for over four years, every starting line-up that was chosen for games was always out in the media," he explained. "The reason is that our training sessions have always been observed from media and opponent teams." He also referenced Pep Guardiola’s tactics at Bayern Munich, stating that "it's common practice in Germany to observe training sessions knowing opponents will do the same."

Eckert argued that the spying activity had no direct impact on the team’s performance, calling it a "bitter irony" that the actions were not linked to any sporting advantage. "None of what happened had any affect on the sporting performance," he said, adding that the practice was a natural part of the football world he had grown up in.

Board’s Confidence and the Path Forward

Solak reiterated the board’s confidence in Eckert, stating that the manager’s "understanding and forgiveness" from supporters would be crucial to his continued tenure. "I truly hope that he will learn from this experience and he will achieve an incredible career," the owner said. While the Football Association is still investigating the incident, Solak suggested that the EFL’s rules might have been less strict in other countries, such as Italy or Germany, where similar practices are common.

During the investigation, a junior staff member revealed that Eckert’s proposals had placed the team "under extreme pressure" to carry out tasks they felt were morally questionable. The details emerged after the publication of an arbitration panel’s written reasons for Southampton’s appeal against the four-point deduction. Solak noted that Eckert was "surprised" to learn the EFL prohibits such activities, but he remains supportive of the manager’s intentions.

"I believe Tonda that he didn't know that it was the rule that he was breaking," Solak said. "My personal opinion, and the opinion of the board, is that he is a manager who deserves to be backed by us and to be supported by us."

The owner also issued a clear warning to Eckert, stating, "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." This statement reflects Solak’s determination to ensure Eckert is fully aware of the league’s regulations moving forward.

Context and Consequences

The spying campaign, which was uncovered during the Championship season, involved staff members collecting information on rival teams’ tactics and strategies. Southampton’s promotion to the Championship play-offs in December marked a successful recovery from a relegation threat, but the subsequent scandal threatened their progress. The club was deducted four points for the 2026-27 season, a penalty that could affect their standing in the league.

Solak acknowledged the disciplinary action but defended Eckert’s approach, arguing that the manager’s actions were not malicious. "There are different rules in England and the EFL and I should have known them," he admitted, highlighting the potential for confusion between international standards and domestic regulations. The owner’s media company played a pivotal role in the club’s recent ownership transition, and he emphasized the importance of maintaining a cohesive strategy moving forward.

As the investigation continues, the Football Association has not yet announced any charges against Eckert, leaving room for further developments. Solak expressed hope that the situation would be resolved in favor of the manager, stating that the board would support him even if the governing body decided to take action. "I can support him even if he's banned, but I can't make him do it again," Solak said, signaling his readiness to back Eckert in any outcome.

For now, Eckert’s position at Southampton appears secure, with Solak’s reassurance that the manager will have the opportunity to prove his worth. The owner’s comments underscore a blend of empathy and determination, as he balances the need to uphold the club’s integrity with his belief in Eckert’s potential. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the role of intelligence gathering in football, with supporters divided on whether the coach’s actions warrant a second chance or a more severe punishment.