Southampton owner pledges support for head coach Eckert amid scandal

Saints head coach issues apology in club video message Dragan Solak wants to ‘close the chapter and look ahead’ Tonda Eckert has apologised for orchestrating the Spygate scandal that culminated in Southampton being kicked out of the Championship playoff final. Southampton, who observed training sessions of three opponents last season, were denied the chance to win promotion after an independent disciplinary commission found the club “seriously violated” the integrity of the competition. Eckert, publicly addressing the six charges made by the English Football League for the first time in a video message released by the club, said he accepted “full responsibility”, adding: “I apologise to all of the clubs that have been involved and mostly I apologise to our supporters.” In a similar address, the Southampton owner, Dragan Solak, said he wants the German head coach who is under investigation from the Football Association, to lead the club into the Premier League next season. Continue reading...

Eckert has been backed by Saints owner Dragan Solak and has also issued an apology to fans

Tonda Eckert will remain manager of Southampton despite the spying scandal that cost the Championship club their place in the play-off final last month, their owner Dragan Solak told the BBC. Saints were expelled from the Championship play-off final -- regarded as the richest game in world football -- after admitting to spying on some opponents' training sessions, with beaten semi-finalists Middlesbrough reinstated. The English Football League (EFL) said Southampton had been kicked out after adm

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has confirmed he will not sack head coach Tonda Eckert despite authorising a spying campaign against Middlesbrough.In an interview with BBC Sport, Solak said: “I think...

Southampton owner Dragan Solak says he will not sack Tonda Eckert, despite the "mistake" the head coach made when authorising a spying campaign against rival Championship clubs.

Southampton owner Dragan Solak says he will not sack Tonda Eckert, despite the "mistake" the head coach made when authorising a spying campaign against rival Championship clubs.

Tonda Eckert has taken full responsibility "for everything that happened" in the Spygate scandal, apologising to players, staff and supporters - but he will remain as Southampton head coach after recieving back from chairman Dragon Solak.