Southampton Owner Backs Apologetic Eckert After Spygate Scandal

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has confirmed head coach Tonda Eckert will keep his job despite orchestrating the Spygate scandal that resulted in the club being kicked out of the Championship playoff final. Eckert accepted "full responsibility" and apologized to involved clubs and supporters in a video message after an independent disciplinary commission found Southampton "seriously violated" competition integrity by observing three opponents' training sessions.

Although Eckert remains under investigation by the Football Association, Solak stated his desire to "close the chapter and look ahead." The Saints owner is backing the German coach to successfully lead the club into the Premier League next season. afrikasportnews.co.za