Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has insisted he is not concerned by those who think he got off lightly for authorising spying on opponents. Asked in his pre-match press conference what he would say to those critics, he replied bluntly: "Nothing."
Suspended ban and fine
Eckert received a six-week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine from the FA this week. Saints had feared a much harsher punishment for the 33-year-old, who will now only be banned if he repeats the spying before the end of the 2027/28 season.
The German was deemed to be an "exceptionally impressive" witness by the FA's independent commission, who gave him credit for his sincere contrition. They were also keen not to further punish the club, who have already been ejected from the Championship play-off final and docked four points by the EFL.
Focus on Portsmouth
Some have been left aghast at Eckert's punishment, which means he is free to stand on the touchline when Saints play bitter rivals Portsmouth on Sunday. Eckert made it clear that determining the punishment wasn't his job and all he could do now was try to move on and focus on trying to get Southampton promoted.
"It's a big week for us as a football club," he said. "We're heading into a very important game on Sunday and to have clarity as quick as possible going into such an important game, I think has not just been a relief for me but everyone involved.
"There was a fair chance that the verdict goes a different way. After such a long time, we have verdict from the EFL, we have a verdict now and whatever you expect is not necessary what you get in the end.
Gratitude to the club
"For me it's just to hold my head up, one more time I made a mistake and it's for me to take the consequences." He also thanked the club for their support, having received strong backing from owner Dragan Solak when others had called for him to be sacked.
"Obviously it does make a big difference that we can draw a line now. Not just for me but also for the ones close to me," Eckert added. "It's tough. It changes your life. If I was to say it has been all easy from the very (first) moment, it has not but you need to find a way. You need to find a conclusion at one point in the summer if you want to continue. That first decision was not for me but was for the club to make.
"I said this straight away but it's for me to say thank you for the support and not just Dragan but the whole board. I think there are many football clubs that take a different decision in the summer. What makes this club special is that in times that are a lot tougher and especially with a lot of outside pressure, that we come to a decision the way we have done it. It will be and not just for the moment but that will be something to forever be grateful for."
