Southampton owner backs manager Eckert after espionage case

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has publicly backed manager Tonda Eckert, stating the club will not dismiss him despite the recent espionage scandal. Eckert's team was disqualified from the promotion playoff final after being caught spying on rivals Middlesbrough.

"I think he deserves a second chance and I will give it to him. He has my full support because he is a very talented coach," Solak said in an interview with the BBC. "Therefore, both my personal opinion and that of the board is that he deserves to be backed and supported by us."

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I think he deserves a second chance and I will give it to him. He has my full support because he is a very talented coach. Therefore, both my personal opinion and that of the board is that he deserves to be backed and supported by us.

The English Football League (EFL) investigated the club for sending an assistant to observe Middlesbrough's training sessions, a violation of league regulations. An independent commission reviewed the case, ultimately disqualifying Southampton and imposing a four-point deduction for the upcoming season.

Eckert, who admitted to making a mistake, expressed his devastation over the season's end and the club's predicament. "I want to apologize for everything that has happened. I am a young coach, I have made a mistake and I am responsible," he stated in a video released by the club. Following Southampton's expulsion, Middlesbrough faced Hull City in the final, with Hull securing promotion via a late goal.

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I want to apologize for everything that has happened. I am a young coach, I have made a mistake and I am responsible. I am devastated after that the season has come to an end and has left us in this position.