Southampton coach Tonda Eckert

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says the Spygate saga changed his life after being handed a six-week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine.

“It's tough. It changes your life”

Suspended FA ban details

Eckert received a six-week ban suspended until the end of the 2027/28 season and a £28,000 fine after admitting three FA charges.

Clarity after uncertainty

Eckert says the FA process conclusion brought relief after more than four months of uncertainty and praised the Southampton board for standing by him.

“It's been more than four months now, it's been quite a long time”

Next game focus

Eckert will continue as Southampton boss for Sunday's Championship clash with Portsmouth and is focused on promotion to Premier League.

Eckert's apology

Eckert admitted he made a mistake and accepted responsibility for his actions during the Spygate scandal.

“I've made a mistake and I've said that relatively quickly”

Middlesbrough response

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg said he talked to Eckert after the incident and apologized for the Spygate scandal.

“I talked to Tonda [Eckert] since that day. He called me, talked to me and apologised for those things”

Promotion target

Eckert insists Southampton's goal remains promotion to the Premier League despite a strong league and condensed schedule.

“It's our goal”

Clarity for the club

Eckert says the clarity from the FA ban allows Southampton to focus on their promotion challenge without uncertainty.

“That is gone now, so we make sure we put our foot on the gas on Sunday”

Next steps

Southampton will play Portsmouth in the Championship on Sunday with Eckert focused on promotion to Premier League.