Southampton is focusing on the 2026/27 season following a tumultuous previous campaign that saw them miss out on promotion.

Despite defeating Middlesbrough in two legs in the play-offs, Saints were denied a place at Wembley after spying on Borough in the build-up.

In addition to costing Southampton a chance at promotion, the offence, combined with the admission that it had occurred previously, means that the south coast side will begin the season with -4 points.

Despite everything that had happened, Southampton elected to continue with Tonda Eckert, who has done an amazing job since being named Will Still’s replacement.

Tonda Eckert discusses the consequences from ‘Spygate’

The FA is still investigating Eckert, but Southampton are now focused on the new season.

However, as Saints returned to pre-season, the former U21 coach was bound to be questioned, and Eckert talked up to Sky Sports about the issue, revealing that the police had to intervene at times.

“This has been an emotional summer. I can’t lie; when the news broke near the conclusion of last season, it was difficult. It’s not easy at the moment. It’s difficult to stare into the players’ eyes. They’re just so disappointed, and so many emotions are flowing out.

“You receive so many threats at one time. You were once under police protection; nonetheless, you are unable to drive. Dealing with that right now is difficult.

“When things settled down over time and I returned home, different issues at home, you had a chance to ponder. I believe that there have been many positive developments in recent months that we may carry forward into the upcoming season. After a few weeks, the excitement returns to go again and demonstrate what we are about. That is how I have felt since returning to the training ground. We’re in the second week of preseason now. Players have returned in excellent condition, with a smile on their faces and ready to go again.”

Tonda Eckert is determined to repay Southampton’s faith this season.

Obviously, this would have been a worrying scenario for Eckert, and the fact that the police were engaged implies that things had escalated.

Overall, it’s fair to conclude that the football world will have little sympathy for the Saints’ manager given what happened last season, for which he was responsible.

Southampton received a harsh punishment for the incident, and some members of the club will believe they have already paid the price.

Eckert and the club are hoping that everyone can move on, but they will not have true closure until the FA decides on any fines against the head coach.

Eckert will appreciate the support he has received from the hierarchy, and he will be eager to reward that support by winning promotion to the Premier League.

It’s building up to be a very difficult Championship promotion battle, but even with the deduction, Southampton will believe they have the quality to finish in the top two, or at least in the play-offs.