Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says he received police protection after facing threats when the club’s Spygate scandal emerged. The incident saw Saints removed from the Championship play-off final in May after admitting they had observed a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the first leg of their play-off semi-final. The EFL later charged Southampton after also finding the club had monitored sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, and the club will begin the new season with a four-point deduction.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam, Eckert described an “emotional” summer and the immediate fallout when the story broke late in the season. He said it was difficult to face players who were understandably upset, and that public reaction escalated to the point where he was given police protection and temporarily restricted from driving. Eckert added that the club and he received a mix of messages: many supportive, but some threatening and abusive, which prompted him to bring his family back to Germany for safety.
With time to reflect away from the immediate crisis, Eckert said his outlook has mellowed and he has been able to refocus on preparing the squad. He described pre-season as a positive environment, with players returning in good shape and motivated to prove themselves on the pitch.
On the FA investigation, Eckert confirmed he travelled to London for an interview and found the process professional and thorough. The session took several hours and he is now awaiting a response. He said he hoped for clarity soon but understood investigations take time.
Eckert insisted he still has the backing of his players. He pointed to recent contract and transfer decisions—including Daniel Peretz’s permanent move, Cyle Larin’s signing, and James Bree’s new three-year deal—as signs of commitment from members of the squad and evidence that the group remains united behind the club and its project.
Looking ahead to the new season, he acknowledged that away fixtures may be more hostile and said rebuilding relationships across the game will be part of the club’s work. Eckert called for unity within the club and among supporters, stressing the importance of representing Southampton’s shirt and colours positively.
On responsibility and lessons learned, Eckert said he accepts responsibility for how the season ended and insisted he never intended to break rules or bring the club into disrepute. He explained he only joined Southampton in November and has spent the summer studying the regulations closely, attending briefings and speaking to senior figures in English football. He said he has reviewed the EFL appendices and the FA rules to understand not just the letter but the culture behind them, and that he will not make decisions in future without being fully informed.
Eckert emphasised humility and reflection as the route forward and vowed that the mistakes of this episode will not be repeated. Despite the disciplinary outcome and the unresolved FA matter, he said the squad’s mood is upbeat and focused on the task ahead as pre-season continues.