'It's changed my life' - Eckert on Spygate scandal

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert, 33, spoke to the media after receiving a six‑week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine from the Football Association for his role in the Spygate scandal. The Saints were expelled from the Championship play‑offs in May after admitting they had spied on training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough ahead of the play‑off semi‑final. An FA investigation that lasted more than four months initially recommended a three‑month ban, but the independent committee opted for a lesser sanction, citing “considerable mitigation… particularly the genuine contrition” shown by Eckert. The governing body has not yet said whether it will appeal the commission’s ruling. Eckert described the episode as life‑changing. “It's tough. It changes your life. If I would accidental it's been each easy, it's not,” he said. He added, “But you person to find a way. You person to travel to a decision astatine 1 constituent successful the summertime of however you privation to continue.” He reflected on the early support from the club’s owner, noting, “That archetypal determination [public backing from the owner] was not for maine but for the club. And astatine that precise moment, past it's for maine to spot if I person the vigor to beryllium the close 1 to bring that task forward.” Eckert concluded, “Once you marque that decision, there's nary excuses.” During Thursday’s media session at the club’s Staplewood training ground, Eckert appeared relaxed, sharing a gag with reporters before sitting down to answer questions. Read the full story at BBC News →