Spors: Spygate uncertainty created 'difficult position' at Southampton
Southampton technical director Johannes Spors says the Spygate scandal made summer planning hard and explains why the club stood by head coach Tonda Eckert.
Southampton group technical director Johannes Spors has said the Spygate scandal placed him in a "difficult position" during the summer, as the club planned for the season without knowing whether head coach Tonda Eckert would face a personal sanction. In May, Southampton were removed from the play-offs and docked four points after admitting they spied on three clubs during the Championship campaign.
An FA investigation then raised the possibility that Eckert could be banned, putting his job in question. The club and its supporters waited into the new season for clarity, and in early October the FA announced a £28,000 fine plus a six-week ban suspended until the end of next season. Southampton could have dismissed Eckert after he admitted his mistakes, but owner Dragan Solak and the board chose to give him a second chance.
Spors, appointed in February 2025 and influential in hiring Eckert, told BBC Radio Solent that few sporting directors have had to plan a squad under that level of uncertainty. He said he felt there was only one choice and was pleased that those around him, including Solak, were aligned on backing Eckert and accepting the consequences.
Beyond the sporting decision, Spors described a duty to support Eckert personally, noting the coach is a young man adjusting to a new country and sudden high-profile scrutiny. Spors said he drew on his knowledge and friendship, and brought in specialists to help over the summer. The two have known each other for nearly a decade, having worked together in Italy and at Red Bull.
On the pitch, Southampton sit eighth in the Championship after 11 matches and are unbeaten at St Mary's, with five wins and a draw. Spors said he was convinced Eckert was the right manager, describing a close relationship in which they speak almost daily, offer support and challenge each other behind closed doors.
