Southampton were kicked out of the promotion race after spying on their rivals’ training sessions. Coach Tonda Eckert kept her job – but now talks about death threats, police protection and a scandal that refuses to go away.
Southampton were one game away from the opportunity to return to the Premier League.
Then one of the most sensational scandals in modern English football exploded.
The club admitted that staff had observed and filmed training sessions at several Championship rivals. The espionage included Oxford United, Ipswich and Middlesbrough – clubs Southampton would later face.
An independent commission described the arrangement as planned and managed from the top of the club’s sporting apparatus.
Kicked out after winning
Southampton beat Middlesbrough in the semi-finals of the promotion play-offs, but never got to play in the final.
As a result of the spy case, the club was disqualified. Middlesbrough took over their place in the final, while Southampton were also charged four minus points ahead of the new Championship season.
The price may have been enormous.
Promotion to the Premier League is often valued at around £200 million when you factor in TV revenue, bonuses and future payouts. Southampton lost the opportunity to play for this money without a ball being kicked in the play-off final.
The coach kept his job
Tonda Eckert has taken responsibility for the espionage taking place. The English Football Association has also charged him with three breaches of the regulations and for actions that may have brought the sport into disrepute.
Despite this, Southampton have chosen to support the coach.
Club owner Dragan Solak has not wanted to sack Eckert, and Southampton have publicly made it clear that they are still behind him.
It is a choice that divides the supporters.
Some point to the coach’s strong sporting results and believe he deserves a second chance. Others believe the club is sending a disastrous signal by keeping a manager who has taken responsibility for systematic espionage against the competition.
Death threats and police councils
The scandal has also had a far darker aftermath.
Eckert has said that he received death threats and was contacted by the police. Among other things, he is said to have been advised not to drive the car himself and instead sit in the back seat when he was to be transported.
The 33-year-old German has described the mental strain as significant, while also preparing the team for a new season.
The threats are completely unacceptable, no matter how serious the mistakes have been made. At the same time, the sporting and ethical issues do not disappear.
Southampton tried to obtain information about the opponents through methods that were contrary to the regulations. The club won the semi-final, but was later deprived of the opportunity to play for promotion.
The scandal follows the team into the new season
Southampton start the season with minus points, a manager waiting for further punishment and a club management that constantly has to defend why he is still in the job.
Eckert could also be banned from the sidelines if the FA comes up with a strict reaction.
Thus, every win, every tactical change and every opponent Southampton faces, is followed by the same question:
How much of what the coaching staff knows, have they actually acquired legally?
The spy case cost the club the opportunity for Premier League promotion. Now it also risks defining all of Southampton’s next season.
