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Southampton owner stands by embattled manager
Southampton owner Dragan Solak has reaffirmed his support for head coach Tonda Eckert, calling the recent spying controversy a "mistake" but insisting the 33-year-old German deserves a second chance. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Solak said he would not sack Eckert, who has publicly apologized for authorizing covert observations of rival Championship clubs.
Eckert's apology and admission of responsibility
Eckert addressed fans in an eight-minute video posted on the club's social media channels Tuesday, expressing remorse for the scandal that derailed Southampton's season. "For everything that has happened, I want to apologize," he said. "I hold my hands up because as head coach, I am responsible."
The coach acknowledged the damage to his relationship with supporters, saying, "I am devastated that after six months of rebuilding that trust, the season has ended in the worst possible way." Eckert, who took over as permanent manager in December, guided Southampton from 21st in the table to a fourth-place finish and a promotion play-off spot before the club was expelled for spying violations.
Disciplinary fallout and club penalties
Southampton were ejected from the play-offs and handed a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season after an independent disciplinary commission ruled that Eckert had orchestrated a "contrived and determined plan from the top down" to spy on opponents. The club admitted to observing training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough, the latter ahead of their play-off semi-final.
An arbitration panel's written reasons revealed that a junior staff member felt "under extreme pressure" to carry out the spying, describing the task as morally wrong. Eckert, however, claimed he was unaware the practice violated English Football League (EFL) regulations, citing its prevalence in Italy and Germany, where he previously worked.
Solak defends Eckert amid criticism
Solak, whose media company acquired a majority stake in Southampton in 2022, dismissed suggestions that Eckert's actions amounted to systematic cheating. "It was three times out of 46 games," he said. "If he were doing this on an industrial level, he would have done it every game."
The owner also downplayed the severity of the offense, comparing it to other on-field misconduct. "Players dive to win penalties or red cards-that's cheating with a much more direct influence on the game," he argued. "We tried to obtain information that wasn't legally allowed, but how it was used on the pitch is another matter."
"I truly hope he will learn from this experience and achieve an incredible career."
Dragan Solak, Southampton owner
Staff pressure and club culture under scrutiny
The EFL commission condemned Southampton for using junior staff to conduct the observations, calling the practice "deplorable." Solak acknowledged the club's dysfunction but denied a culture of coercion. "I don't see a culture where junior staff are forced to do things they don't want," he said, adding that the intern involved could have refused without repercussions.
Solak revealed he only learned of the spying when the story broke on social media, calling the club's initial response "imperfect" due to a tight 12-hour deadline from the EFL. "The people who responded had limited time to uncover the truth," he said, noting that legal advice had been sought during the process.
Financial and legal repercussions loom
The scandal has left Southampton facing potential legal action from players over lost promotion bonuses, with reports suggesting some may seek to leave. Solak urged patience, saying, "If you're a quality player, you'll reach the Premier League this season or next."
The Football Association (FA) is investigating and could impose additional sanctions, including a ban on Eckert. Solak said he would support Eckert through any further disciplinary action but acknowledged, "If he's banned, he's banned. I can't put someone in charge who isn't allowed to manage."
The owner also criticized the severity of Southampton's punishment, calling it "disproportionate" and estimating the club lost £200 million due to their play-off expulsion. "We were over-sentenced," he said. "Whatever crime you commit, you can only be sentenced once."
Future outlook and fan relations
Despite the turmoil, Solak vowed to strengthen the club's governance and culture. "We will make sure everyone understands that staff can refuse orders that make them uncomfortable," he said. He also apologized to fans, acknowledging their disappointment but pledging unwavering commitment to Southampton's recovery.
Eckert, meanwhile, expressed hope for forgiveness, saying his video apology came "from the heart." With his job secure for now, the focus shifts to rebuilding trust amid ongoing investigations and potential further fallout.
