Who is Southampton's Tonda Eckert amid FA Spygate hearing? | OneFootball

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert faces an FA hearing today over his role in the Spygate scandal during a whirlwind first year at St Mary’s.

According to Daily Echo, he admitted authorising missions to observe opposition training sessions last season and was charged with misconduct by the FA. The case could lead to a lengthy ban from some or all football activity.

When Eckert was confirmed as permanent head coach in December 2025, he was largely unknown to most Saints supporters. Within a year he had taken them to an FA Cup semi-final, a Championship play-off final and a 21-match unbeaten run, all while the spying row unfolded.

The German arrived at St Mary’s in July 2025 as under-21s head coach after a spell with Genoa. Four months later he stepped up as interim first-team manager following Will Still’s departure, with Saints 21st and edging towards a relegation fight.

Results shifted quickly under Eckert. Saints strung together victories, moved clear of danger and surged into promotion contention. The 33-year-old is aiming to return the club to the Premier League after falling one win short last season.

By September 2026, he remained in post and Southampton were again competing near the top of the Championship while the FA investigation awaited resolution.

Source: Daily Echo

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