Saints stick by Eckert as owner announces he WON'T sack spygate boss

Southampton's owner Dragan Solak has signaled continued faith in manager Tonda Eckert, resisting calls to sack him amid a spygate controversy. He told BBC Sport that Eckert deserves a second chance and remains a talented coach, claiming he did not know he was breaking a rule. The independent inquiry revealed leaked WhatsApp messages detailing the spying operation and the club's attempts to cover up after intern William Salt was recorded Middlesbrough training. Solak stressed Eckert could stay if it were his decision, noting that spying in other leagues is sometimes considered common practice, though he warned Eckert he had broken his heart.