--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-27T08:49:42.723Z last_updated: 2026-07-17T17:23:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/southampton/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGFpbHllY2hvLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0LzI2MjkwOTYwLnNvdXRoYW1wdG9ucy10b25kYS1lY2tlcnQtZmEtaW52ZXN0aWdhdGlvbi1zcHlnYXRlLXJlYWN0aW9uLz9yZWY9cnNz --- # Southampton's Tonda Eckert on FA investigation and Spygate reaction | Daily Echo - **Source:** - **Published:** 17 Jul - **Club:** Southampton - **Original URL:** https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/26290960.southamptons-tonda-eckert-fa-investigation-spygate-reaction/?ref=rss SAINTS head coach Tonda Eckert admitted he does not know when the FA will finally conclude its investigation, in his first interview since Spygate. Eckert could still be issued a coaching ban for his part in authorising spying missions that ultimately cost his side a chance at promotion last season. Saints admitted to three counts of unauthorised filming of opposition training sessions, including ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final. The German was interviewed by the FA for four hours earlier this month, and despite pre-season being well under way, no verdict has been returned. In a new interview with the Daily Echo, Eckert said: "I was in London two weeks ago with the FA, and I think it's been a very professional process. Tonda Eckert is still waiting for a verdict from the FA (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC) "It was a long interview where they have taken the time to listen, and now we are waiting for a response. I would love to tell you more, and to know more. "However, at this point it lies with the FA, and we are expecting to hear from them shortly, but at this point I just don't know." It was 59 days ago that the EFL's independent disciplinary commission kicked Saints out of the play-off final and issued a four-point deduction. A hastily-ordered appeal process concluded just 24 hours later, with the decision to issue one of the biggest sporting sanctions in history upheld. The panel said it had seen evidence of "a contrived and determined plan from the top down to gain a competitive advantage," over opponents. "We had many emotions at once; tough to channel and not so easy to describe in the moment. No one was expecting that verdict," said Eckert. "After the game, I spoke to Middlesbrough players and staff, and even they didn't expect that verdict. Then it comes through, and it's tough, very tough. "I think the only thing you can do in that very moment is just to be present, so we called the players in the next morning. The emotions came out. "When you're on such a big run, and you're so confident to bring it all the way through, then you're denied the chance to play the final, it's tough. "We've asked the players to just keep the focus up as much as you can in the very moment, because there was the chance for an appeal. "Then that fell through on the same night, so then we brought the players back in the day after, and I think everyone processes it in a different way. "For everyone, that's different; sometimes it's a couple of days. I think that for some players in that very moment that was to make a quick decision. "I think the commitment to the group and club from players like Daniel [Peretz], Cyle [Larin] and James [Bree] in that very moment was very strong." Daniel Peretz signed permanently from Bayern Munich (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Saints were also reprimanded for how they treated 'junior' staff, including the intern analyst who was at the centre of the scandal in Middlesbrough. The panel's report said that Saints committed "deplorable' acts by senior personnel directing junior staff to carry out missions they knew were wrong. Eckert has apologised for authorising operations to obtain Illicit information, but he rejects any suggestion of pressuring staff to carry them out. "I haven't done any interviews or commented publicly on it since the end of the season, but it hurts to see things being put out there," said Eckert. "It couldn't be further away from the person I am and the atmosphere in this football club. In football, there is always an expectation to win games. "But I think you only do this when you have a positive culture in place. I actually think that was one of the biggest factors for us to win last year. "To see a different image being put out there, it really hurts to read. There will always be a challenge here, but I think it's a very positive workplace." Maintaining the players' support was key for Eckert to retain the backing of Saints owner Dragan Solak, and to keep his job for this season. Asked about that support, Eckert said: "I think every relationship is built over time, and for us, it got tested in the toughest way that you could ever test it. "That's not just players, but also supporters and employees, but I think that's where it shows what you have built as a bond over months. "I think the reaction has been very clear in that very moment with all the emotions, and then also clear now coming back after the summer. "They look ready to go again, and it's exciting to be back in. The players have come in with a big smile and focus to show what we're about." Tonda Eckert has been hard at work on the training pitch (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC) It has been a whirlwind 12 months for Eckert, who only turned 33 in January. This time last year, he had just moved to England from Genoa in Italy. He was scouted by former colleague Johannes Spors, and hired by academy chief Andy Goldie to take over the club's under-21s team at Staplewood. Since then, he has experienced more than many veteran managers, and his team are unbeaten in 21 league games since defeat to Hull in January. Alongside it all, he became a father for the first time earlier this summer. "I think it changes the tone of your voice a little bit when you have a little one in your arms. It changes the way you drive your car," said Eckert. "Especially us Germans, we're used to driving quite fast. I'd say I'm a little bit slower now. I enjoy it very much, though my wife is back in Germany. "We've had two weeks together. Not so much sleep, but very nice moments. Now I sleep through the night; I try to FaceTime them as much as I can." Eckert's focus is firmly on preparing for a new Championship season, where the clear demand from Solak is promotion to the Premier League. Saints take on Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday, August 16, before Stoke visit St Mary's six days later. Eckert wants to be on positive points by then. "I'm very much looking forward to it," he said. "It takes some time after the season finished for some to process it. For others, it can be quicker or longer. "Over the summer, there's always that point where the excitement just creeps back in when you just look forward to the season to start again. "We're in the second week of pre-season, and it's exciting to see the group. The season could start tomorrow, and a couple of them would be ready. "Others might need a couple more weeks to get in the right shape, but I think it's always the same. It's exciting to be back, and they are still good." Alongside keeping Daniel Peretz, Cyle Larin and James Bree on long-term deals, Saints have signed versatile forward Lewis Dobbin for up to £9million. The only player who Saints wanted to keep this summer and were unable to was Ross Stewart, but Eckert has not closed the door on the striker returning. "I think that Ross has been brilliant. The only thing that we needed to sort as physically conditioned to play consecutive games," said Eckert. Ross Stewart left the club as a free agent in June (Image: Nick Potts/PA) "That was the only thing I think in the way of him performing as he did even earlier, and the more experience you have, the more you know your body. "We figured out a good way to use him, and he hasn't played a single 90 minutes, for example, but there's no striker with a better goal ratio than him. "But then if you look at the goal ratio, there's no other striker that has been more effective than him. At the end of the season, he was at his very best. "I'm still in touch with Ross," added Eckert. "It's possible [that he could return]. We definitely need a second striker. I think that is very clear. "We have Cyle, who is in a better physical condition than when he came in in January, but we also know that the Championship is very demanding. "There will definitely be a second striker. Let's see who that will be." Eckert was tight-lipped on the possibility of losing more players this summer, with Shea Charles amongst those with plenty of clubs circling. "There are a few players that have made great progress over the season, and it's not just Shea. It's only natural that there is interest," said Eckert. "I think Shea has been the most prominent one over the last weeks, and as much as I'm aware, there are quite a few clubs that have shown their interest. "But then that's for the club to deal with at a later point. I think if you play the way we did, and there wasn't any interest, then there's something wrong. "I'm very sure that we will have a very competitive squad out for the next season, and we'll be pushing for promotion to the Premier League."