Tonda Eckert (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has revealed he received death threats following the club's spying scandal, admitting police advised him to stop driving himself for safety reasons.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has revealed he received death threats following the club's controversial "Spygate" scandal, admitting the situation became so serious that police advised him to change his daily routine for security reasons.
The Saints were thrown out of the Championship play-off final after being found guilty of spying on rivals Middlesbrough. The club also received a four-point deduction, which will be applied at the start of the 2026/27 season.
Eckert remains under investigation by the Football Association and is still awaiting a possible personal punishment, including the prospect of a lengthy touchline ban.
"The police had to get involved"
Speaking to Kicker, the 33-year-old German described the personal impact of the scandal.
"Yes, it could no longer be handled without the police."
"I do not want to go into details, only this much: I was advised not to drive myself anymore, but to sit in the back of the car instead."
"That was very difficult. It was a situation no coaching course prepares you for. No training explains how to react when, for security reasons, you are suddenly supposed to sit in the back seat."
The comments underline the severity of the threats directed at the Southampton coach following one of English football's biggest off-field controversies.
FA charges still hanging over him
The FA has charged Eckert with acting improperly and bringing the game into disrepute.
Its investigation concluded that the surveillance of Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough formed part of what investigators described as a "contrived and determined plan from the top down."
Despite the findings, Southampton have continued to back their manager and have no plans to dismiss him, believing he remains the right person to lead the club's bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Eckert has continued to oversee pre-season preparations while waiting for the FA's final decision.
"It's always in my mind"
The German admitted the uncertainty surrounding the disciplinary process has been difficult to ignore.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, he said:
"I would be lying if I said that it is not in the back of my mind. I think that's true for everyone involved, but the positive thing is I just love the game. I love football. There's so much to prepare for."
While Eckert says he has received messages of support from respected colleagues in both Germany and England, he also admits the abuse he experienced showed just how quickly football controversies can escalate beyond the pitch.