Southampton Back Tonda Eckert Despite Spygate Drama | OneFootball

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has confirmed that Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has the full backing of the board, in an interview with BBC Sport.

Eckert has come under heavy scrutiny after he and Southampton were found guilty of spying against opponents.

Solak launched his defence for the young German manager, saying ‘He deserves a second chance’ and went on to offer his full support.

Dragan Solak (middle) has spoken out in support of Eckert. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The head of Sport Republic and lead investor, Dragan Solak, also issued an apology video this morning via the club’s media channels.

Tonda Eckert has also released a personal statement via the club media, in which he explains his decisions regarding the ‘Spygate’, citing his upbringing in football and noting that the information gained did not confer any advantage.

The apology has been long overdue, with none of Southampton’s previous statements taking any serious accountability or issuing any apology to the fans who have spent the season following the team.

Fans were left unimpressed by the statement on June 1, which did neither and instead questioned the integrity of the independent panel rather than offering acceptance and apologies.

Sport Republic has come under serious blame across the past few seasons as they have taken a club that was stable in the Premier League to the Championship twice, and in their attempt to stay in the Premier League after promotion, almost broke the lowest points record.

Chairman Dragan Solak has been more vocal the past two summers, and he has now promised to bring a ‘team that will take you out of your seats’.

The apology from Tonda Eckert also gives clarity and a much-needed explanation to the fans, and there is now a clear path to rebuild burnt bridges.

There is currently an investigation ongoing with the FA, and this will determine whether the German or anyone else within the club faces a ban, which would lead to Southampton having to find a new manager once again.

It’s unclear in which way the FA will swing, and Southampton could be awaiting that decision for a while.

One thing is clear: the owner intends to get the football club back to where they belong and back into the Premier League.

Solak wants to bring unity back to St Mary’s in a time when the club’s image has been tarnished.

They accept mistakes have been made and apologised. Now onto the 2026/2027 season with a real siege mentality from the club.