Southampton director Spors explains backing Eckert through Spygate uncertainty

Southampton technical director Johannes Spors has described how uncertainty over Tonda Eckert's involvement in the Spygate scandal complicated preparations for the season. Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Spors said he and owner Dragan Solak remained aligned in supporting the head coach while the disciplinary process continued through the summer.

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Spors said planning a squad without knowing whether the manager would face a ban was an unusual challenge. He also described supporting Eckert personally and arranging specialist help where needed. The two have known each other for nearly a decade, having previously worked together in Italy and at Red Bull.

The immediate uncertainty eased earlier this month. BBC Sport's report on the 7 October ruling said an independent Football Association regulatory commission imposed a six-week ban from football activity, suspended until the end of next season. Eckert also received a £28,000 fine and a reprimand, allowing him to continue coaching Southampton.

The FA had sought a three-month suspension. The commission instead gave weight to mitigating factors, including Eckert's remorse, and considered that losing his job would amount to an additional punishment for the club. The suspended ban would take effect if he were found involved in further spying before the suspension period expires.

Those individual sanctions followed separate penalties against Southampton. The club was removed from the Championship play-offs in May and received a four-point deduction for this season after admitting spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. Eckert was sanctioned for three breaches of FA Rule E3.1. Southampton said it had introduced measures intended to prevent similar errors happening again.

Spors said his confidence in Eckert's coaching ability underpinned his support. Southampton are eighth after 11 Championship matches, BBC Sport reported on Friday. Their home results comprise five wins and a draw, with no defeats at St Mary's. Spors described a close working relationship that includes frequent contact and candid disagreements behind closed doors, as well as support for the manager.