'You'll kill me' - Dragan Solak sends clear warning to Tonda Eckert at Southampton | OneFootball

Dragan Solak has sent Tonda Eckert a warning at Southampton but the German looks set to remain in charge at St. Mary's...

Chairman Dragan Solak has had to see his Southampton side miss out on the riches of Premier League football due to the Spygate saga overshadowing the play-offs for Tonda Eckert and co.

The Serbian businessman and media entrepreneur is the lead investor behind Sport Republic, the group that purchased an 80% controlling stake in Southampton in January 2022. He has seen the side relegated twice and promoted once since acquiring the club.

He is the figure ultimately responsible for the club's direction since the takeover. His tenure has included just the one promotion but perhaps ought to have been two, multiple managerial changes, and significant transfer spending, but also relegations and criticism of Sport Republic's decision-making.

It's a big summer ahead for a club that looks set to lose a number of key players from its core, with numerous individuals showcasing why they are above Championship level during the run-in. It seems Spygate and the punishment Southampton received may now create the us-against-the-world mentality to rally together in 2026/27.

Tonda Eckert given warning by Southampton owner Dragan Solak

It looks like fans want Eckert to remain with Southampton next season despite everything that has gone on and the controversy Spygate caused. Dragan Solak could not believe what happened regarding Spygate, with Sport Republic having every right to be frustrated to miss out on plenty of cash, had they beat Hull City in the final.

The drama has not yet ended, either, with the fallout expected to continue through the summer and it could potentially impact transfer deals. Solak has been warned of legal action against Southampton, which is likely to be taken against them and could come from within via the players.

That said, Eckert seems to have the backing of Solak in spite of the ramifications of Spygate on his Southampton side. Speaking via the BBC, Solak explained what he has said to Eckert: "In Italy or in Germany, where Tonda was working, this is basically common practice that nobody cares about.

"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."

Weighing up whether Dragan Solak is making the right decision with Tonda Eckert at Southampton

When assessing the season's performance by what happened on the pitch specifically, Southampton ended the regular campaign with a 19-game unbeaten run-in where they climbed up the table and into fourth under Eckert.

The Saints also reached the FA Cup semi-final, losing to Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley Stadium, with Eckert deservedly receiving a lot of praise for turning things around at St. Mary’s. That cannot be ignored, even if the squad is likely to be a little weaker by the end of the window.

What is also true is that the league is likely to be stronger as well. But what cannot be denied is Eckert is capable after he turned the team around. The 33-year-old took over Southampton after a poor start to the campaign under Will Still, who was dismissed in November of last year.

Guiding them to be the play-off favourites from there was no easy task, so that perhaps explains why Solak and co. are providing their backing with a warning and nothing more. Some continuity could be good for the Saints, even if Eckert's position looked untenable not long ago.