Dragan Solak, Southampton’s owner, has announced that he is willing to offer Tonda Eckert a second opportunity following Spygate.

However, Solak stressed that Eckert learn the EFL rules ‘by heart’ because the team cannot afford ‘another error’.

Eckert came under fire after Southampton were kicked out of the Championship play-offs after admitting to spying on three other clubs’ training sessions, including play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.

It has recently been discovered that the German urged his employees to spy on other teams.

According to WhatsApp communications obtained as part of the independent disciplinary commission’s probe, one junior analyst at the club argued that he ‘wasn’t given an option to say no’ to witnessing Oxford United’s training session.

However, once they completed the work, the analyst received an SMS claiming that Eckert ‘liked it’.

Following the Spygate controversy, the FA opened an enquiry into the club’s activities, and Eckert faces a ban.

Heart & Sol

However, Solak does not intend to break ways with the 33-year-old.

Solak told BBC Sport that Eckert ‘deserves a second opportunity’ and is willing to offer him one.My complete support would be behind him, because I believe he is a really capable manager,” Solak stated.

Solak believes Eckert was unaware of the EFL’s spying restrictions, which prevent teams from directly or indirectly viewing another team’s training within 72 hours of a scheduled encounter.My own opinion, as well as the board’s, is that he is a manager who deserves our backing and support,” Solak stated.

“I’ll undoubtedly seek input from the team. I will seek opinions from the players and fans.”But, if it is ultimately my decision, he will stay.”

Flipping ‘Eck

Solak warned Eckert to avoid violating EFL rules in the future.”I told him, ‘You almost broke my heart,'” Solak explained.If you don’t know the EFL book of regulations by memory, you won’t be able to work for me when I meet you again in July. “We cannot make another mistake.”I sincerely hope that he would learn from this experience and have a fantastic career.”

With Eckert certain to continue at the helm, he can move forward with his preparations for next season, but the Saints will start a little behind the competition.

Southampton received a four-point deduction as part of their Spygate punishment, in addition to being kicked out of the playoffs.

The penalty will go into effect at the start of the 2026/27 Championship season.

Jeff Stelling’s verdict

After realising Eckert would remain at Southampton, talkSPORT co-host Jeff Stelling urged all parties involved to end the controversy.Stelling expressed surprise during the Sports Breakfast.As time passed, I became increasingly convinced that the club would support him because he had such an impressive record.

“What I didn’t know at the time is that it had nothing to do with spying. The timing of the surveillance is crucial. If it been done outside of the 72-hour window, it would have been allowed. However, spying within that time frame is not acceptable.With the best will in the world, I think this is another one to put behind us because, really, Southampton has been brutally punished; it’s not a nice look for the football club, I’ll say that.”