Southampton owner Dragan Solak has publicly backed head coach Tonda Eckert, declaring he will not dismiss him despite a recent spying scandal that led to significant penalties for the club. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Solak described Eckert’s actions as a "mistake" but emphasized his belief in the manager's talent and potential for redemption.

After taking over as head coach in December, Eckert led Southampton from a relegation battle to a fourth-place finish, reaching the Championship promotion play-offs. However, the team faced expulsion from the play-offs and a four-point deduction for conducting unauthorized observations of rival teams, including Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

An independent disciplinary commission deemed Eckert's orchestration of the spying campaign as a serious breach, noting that he had placed undue pressure on junior staff to execute the plan. Solak expressed his surprise upon discovering the rule violation, having only learned about the spying through social media.

Key points from Solak’s statements include:

• Support for Eckert:

He deserves a second chance... I think he's a super-talented manager.

• Warning Issued: Solak cautioned Eckert to familiarize himself with the EFL regulations to avoid future issues.
• Acknowledgment of Mistakes: He described the club's punishment as "severe and completely disproportionate."
• Future of Players: Some players are reportedly considering leaving the club over lost bonuses due to the scandal.

Despite the turmoil, Solak remains optimistic about Eckert’s future and the club's recovery, stating, "I believe we will become stronger from this experience." He reiterated his commitment to the club and its fans, acknowledging the collective disappointment caused by the scandal.