Spygate put me in difficult position - Southampton technical director

What the report says

Southampton group technical director Johannes Spors has said the club’s “Spygate” case left him in a difficult position over the summer as they tried to prepare for the new season. BBC Sport reports that Southampton were punished in May after admitting to spying on three Championship opponents, with a four-point deduction and exclusion from the play-offs. The fallout also raised questions over head coach Tonda Eckert, whose future was uncertain while the Football Association reviewed his role.

According to the BBC, Southampton chose to keep Eckert in place rather than dismiss him, with owner Dragan Solak and the board backing him despite the risk of further sanctions. The FA later fined Eckert £28,000 and imposed a six-week ban that is suspended until the end of next season. Spors said the uncertainty was unusual and said he was glad the club took the decision to stand by the coach.

Spors, who joined Southampton as group technical director in February 2025, said he also focused on supporting Eckert personally during the controversy. He described their long professional relationship and said he felt the coach needed help both in football and in adjusting to life in a new country. BBC Sport also notes that Southampton have started the Championship season strongly and are eighth after 11 matches, with an unbeaten home record at St Mary’s.