Tonda Eckert faces Southampton sack with Middlesbrough spygate outcome imminent
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert could be sacked if it’s proven he was involved in the plan to spy on Middlesbrough ahead of their Championship play-off clash.
That is according to former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who exclusively told Football Insider the Saints boss could be in “real trouble” depending on what emerges from the hearing.
Eckert led Southampton to a play-off semi-final victory over Middlesbrough last week, but their participation in the final against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday (23 May) is in doubt.
The Hampshire club have been charged by the EFL with observing one of Kim Hellberg’s side’s training sessions before the first leg at the Riverside Stadium.
A hearing conducted by an independent disciplinary commission is taking place today (19 May), with the parties waiting to hear the decision.
What punishment Southampton could face after independent hearing
Southampton could be removed from the play-offs depending on how the panel view the evidence presented.
It has been claimed the Saints have spied on other clubs throughout the season, raising questions around Eckert’s involvement, having taken charge at St Mary’s in November.
| Stats | Southampton | Middlesbrough |
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Shots | 17 | 15 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 3 |
| Fouls committed | 15 | 19 |
| Corners | 11 | 5 |
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Wyness discussed how the EFL has handled the spygate scandal.
“The hearing is happening today, and we’re told that the result is going to be given to the legal teams first and then announced publicly,” said Wyness.
“I do expect it to be a points deduction and then a pretty big fine. That’s what’s been hinted at. The change that’s got to come out of this is that there’s got to be a clear rule that there should be expulsion from a tournament or some other major sanction if it’s in the league.
“They’ve got to stamp out this straight away in terms of the spying situation. Also, the facts haven’t really come out. I’ve heard two different things of it being an intern with a mobile phone half a mile away in the trees to highly sophisticated sound equipment, monitoring everything with direct feeds back to the Southampton HQ.
“There’s a big difference between those two things. I’m not party to all the facts, so there needs to be some understanding of what really went on is a key thing, which of course the hearing will establish today how far up the chain it went.”
Why Tonda Eckert’s career could be in ‘real trouble’
Wyness insisted questions will be asked of Eckert if he was involved in spying on Middlesbrough’s training session.
“If it did go up to the manager, then I’m afraid his career is going to be in real trouble,” said Wyness.
“He would be expected to be either sacked or told to be banned for a period of time, so the facts will dictate.
“But overall, what must come out of this is a clearer sanctioning situation that stops clubs from even thinking about this in the future, knowing that they are in jeopardy of being thrown out of competitions or leagues, rather than just giving a hearing a range of options.
“They’ve got to make it specific and clear, and that’s what’s got to come out to stamp this out once and for all.”
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