Southampton coach says sorry for spying scandal

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert said sorry on Tuesday for the spying scandal. He admitted he is responsible for everything that happened.

Southampton was kicked out of the Championship play-offs last month. They admitted to sending a young intern to spy on Middlesbrough's training session.

The English Football League said the club committed a terrible act by pressuring a junior staff member to spy on Middlesbrough.

In a strong statement, the governing body said Southampton boss Eckert allowed the spying.

The 33-year-old German shared a long video on the club's media. He started by saying, "I will try to be as honest and clear as I can be."

"For everything that has happened, I do want to apologise and I hold my hand up because as head coach I am responsible."

"I am responsible for everything that has happened at this football club."

Southampton owner Dragan Solak said he supports Eckert. He admitted Eckert made a mistake but believes it should not cost a "super-talented manager" his job.

Solak told the BBC, "I have to believe, honestly, and I believe Tonda, that he didn’t know it was the rule that he was breaking."

He added, "My personal opinion, and the opinion of the board, is that he is a manager who deserves to be backed by us and to be supported by us."

"I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him. My first support would be behind him, actually, because I think he is a super-talented manager."

Southampton will also lose four points next season. They admitted to breaking rules about filming other clubs’ training sessions.

Eckert is not completely free yet. The Football Association (FA) has started an investigation into the matter. He could still face charges and a ban if found guilty.

Solak believes Eckert is facing a witch-hunt and that the club has been over-punished.

"My support comes from a very simple legal situation where there is no double jeopardy," said Solak.

"Whatever crime you did, you can be sentenced only once."

Middlesbrough, who lost to Southampton in the play-off semi-finals, got back into the final at Wembley on May 23. They lost to Hull, who will join Coventry and Ipswich in the Premier League next year.