There could be movement on the FA charge against the Southampton manager, which could have serious implications for his future with Pompey’s fierce rivals ahead of the south coast derby.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert may face his Spygate destiny during the international break, according to sources.
Eckert may potentially leave Pompey’s close rivals, with the south-coast rivalry looming.
Southampton awaiting FA decision which could decide Eckert’s future
The German, of course, is at the centre of the Spygate incident, which resulted in his team’s elimination from the Championship play-offs in May and a four-point deduction this season.
This comes after they admitted spying on three teams last season: Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town, and Oxford United.
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The controversy shocked football and resulted in widespread condemnation of Eckert, casting a lasting stain on his club’s reputation.
The 33-year-old was then charged with misconduct by the FA in July, the fate of which is yet uncertain.
There are now suggestions that a hearing could take place over the upcoming international break, which precedes Pompey’s visit to St Mary’s Stadium on October 11.
That’s according to the Southern Daily Echo, who say workers at the club are expecting movement over that scenario, over the three-week pause to Championship games.
The outcome and severity of the punishment might have serious consequences for Southampton, Eckert, and his future with the club.
A lengthy penalty could lead to his dismissal from his job as head coach, with a precedent for punishments over spying on opponents.
That comes in the form of former Canada manager Bev Priestman, who was suspended for a year by FIFA after two of her staff deployed a drone to spy on an opponent at the Paris Olympics.
Eckert has addressed the ongoing uncertainty about the prospective punishment, and his squad has begun the season in good form.
They have recovered from a four-point setback to sit eighth in the Championship with 10 points, four behind leaders West Ham.
Eckert stated to the Southern Daily Echo that the games are not about him and will never be.It’s all about the football club, and we have another home game that is extremely important to us. Another four weeks till the Derby.Whatever happens in between, my only responsibility is to ensure that this football club scores another three points tomorrow.
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