Southampton owner makes Tonda Eckert sack decision after Spygate controversy

Southampton owner makes Tonda Eckert sack decision after Spygate controversy Tonda Eckert is under increased fire after it emerged that the Southampton manager had 'pressurised' junior members of staff to spy on other team's training sessions Southampton owner Dragan Solak insists that he won't sack Tonda Eckert, despite the manager's deep involvement in Spygate coming to light. The Saints were kicked out of the Championship play-offs last month after admitting to spying on three clubs' training sessions over the course of the season, including semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. An independent disciplinary commission said that German coach Eckert had accepted that he was in charge of what the panel called a 'contrived and determined plan from the top down'. It added that junior staff who were tasked with opposition analysis felt 'pressurised to do the observations that Mr Eckert and the senior coaches wished them to do', despite them feeling that spying was morally wrong. But 33-year-old Eckert, who could yet be banned by the FA for his actions, 'deserves a second chance', according to Solak. "My full support would be behind him actually, because I think he's a super-talented manager," the Saints owner told BBC Sport. "I believe Tonda that he didn't know that it was the rule that he was breaking. My personal opinion, and the opinion of the board, is that he is a manager who deserves to be backed by us and to be supported by us. WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today "I will obviously seek advice from the team. I will seek advice from the players, from the fans. But yes, if it's ultimately my decision, he stays." Southampton launched an appeal after discovering their punishment, which also included a four-point deduction for next season, but it was rejected. The League Arbitration Panel's written reasons were published on Monday. In the 39-page document, it's said that Eckert was 'surprised' to learn that EFL regulations prohibited spying. Solak added: "In Italy or in Germany, where Tonda was working, this is basically common practice that nobody cares about." Should Tonda Eckert be sacked? Have your say in the comments section. But Southampton's owner has issued a warning to Eckert, who was appointed in December and also led the Saints to the FA Cup semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by Manchester City. Solak said: "I told him, 'You almost broke my heart. You do it again, you'll kill me. The next time I see you in July, if you don't know the EFL book of rules by heart, you can't work for me. Because, we can't have another mistake.' "I truly hope that he will learn from this experience and he will achieve an incredible career." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us - and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL. Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.