Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has revealed he was given police protection and received threats in the aftermath of the Spygate scandal that saw the club thrown out of the Championship play-offs.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Eckert spoke for the first time about the emotional toll of the saga, which erupted when Southampton admitted spying on three clubs during the 2025/26 season. The Saints were caught observing a Middlesbrough training session before their play-off semi-final first leg, and an EFL investigation later uncovered that sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town had also been compromised.
Threats and police protection
Eckert admitted that the backlash was intense. "You get so many threats at one point. You have police protection at one point; you can't drive a car," he said. "It's tough to deal with that for the very moment."
The German coach confirmed he moved his family back to Germany for their safety. "I brought my family back home to Germany, so they were out of the country in that moment. But yes, of course, when you have a direct line to the police, because they tell you that they don't know what's going to happen to you at home, and you always have someone that you can reach in case something happens."
Eckert also revealed he received a mix of messages. "There were also some very nice messages in the last days, but also a couple that were not so nice. Yes, some challenging days."
FA investigation and looking ahead
The scandal is not yet closed. Eckert attended an FA interview in London two weeks ago, describing the process as "very professional" but adding that he is now waiting for a response. He insisted the uncertainty is not distracting from pre-season preparations. "I think on our daily work it doesn't influence us so much; because once you're out on the pitch, you're out on the pitch, and then there's work to do."
Despite the turmoil, Eckert believes he retains the support of his squad. "It's been exciting to come back in last week," he said. "Players have come back in very good shape, with a smile on their face and ready to go again."
Southampton will start the new season on minus four points as part of their punishment, but Eckert is focused on the positives. "After a couple of weeks, that excitement comes back in to go again and show what we are about."
You get so many threats at one point. You have police protection at one point; you can't drive a car. It's tough to deal with that.– Tonda Eckert