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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 24 May 2026 10:15, UK

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Southampton are being investigated by the FA over spygate as pressure continues to mount on Tonda Eckert’s position, sources have told Football Insider.

The Saints were kicked out of the playoff final and will face a four-point deduction next season after the EFL investigation found them guilty of spying on opponents.

However, the fallout of the investigation is far from over, with further sanctions still possible as the FA continue to look into the details behind the offences.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Eckert’s position has become untenable, and the FA could put the nail in his coffin.

Southampton have admitted to spying on three opponents, Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Oxford United, and possibly more, with Eckert believed to be the driving force.

What is next for Southampton in spygate fallout?

Football Insider revealed on 22 May that heads will roll at Southampton after the EFL concluded their investigation, but the story is far from over at St Mary’s.

Southampton could now face further punishments, including for individuals involved including Eckert, bringing new questions over his place in the dugout.

The manager has already accepted responsibility for the scandal, and new details are emerging claiming he pushed analysts to carry out the job despite their protests.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “If it’s confirmed that Eckert was the one behind the Spygate situation and was the one that decided to send people to spy on the opposition, I think his position is untenable.

“Obviously there’s a lot of anger and frustration at everything that’s going on around Spygate.

“Inevitably, heads will roll as a result of missing out in promotion and bringing the club into disrepute.

“The FA are now looking into it as well as a probe into Southampton and Eckert as well so, for me right now, if it’s proved that he was the central figure behind it all I think his position is untenable and he’d lose his job.”

Who could step in to replace Eckert at Southampton?

Eckert’s role as Southampton manager is coming under increased scrutiny and there is a feeling he will be unable to stay in his position after the investigation ends.

Amid growing pressure on the manager’s position, speculation has already started about which manager could step in to the hot seat at St Mary’s.

Football Insider reported on 23 May that Liam Rosenior is a contender for Southampton just months after leaving Chelsea, with multiple candidates on their radar.

However, he is considered an outsider for the position as things stand, with Scott Parker currently the favourite to take over after leaving Burnley recently.

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has also been tipped to land the job despite the controversy it would bring, while Sean Dyche is also on the list of candidates.