Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has accused sections of the media of painting a picture of him that he says is "very far away from the truth," in his most extensive comments since being charged by the Football Association over the Spygate scandal.

Eckert, a German coach who took charge at St Mary's, told BBC Sport that a lot has been published about him despite him having done very few interviews. "If one looks behind the curtain, the image looks very different," he said (BBC Sport).

The 2025-26 season ended in chaos for Southampton. The club was expelled from the Championship play-offs — the end-of-season mini-tournament that decides promotion to the Premier League — after allegations emerged that a junior analyst intern had secretly gathered information on an opponent. Eckert was charged with misconduct by the FA on 22 July over the affair, which became known as Spygate (Al Jazeera). He had previously apologised for his role in orchestrating the spying (RFI).

Eckert reportedly told Sky Sports News that he "loved" the information gathered by the intern, and that he received police protection amid threats related to the scandal (Sky Sports). Southampton were said to be prepared for a possible FA ban for their head coach.

Through it all, owner Dragan Solak stood firm. In June, the Serbian businessman said he would not sack Eckert and that the coach deserved a second chance (Reuters). Solak was later pictured with the squad during a pre-season training camp in Germany at the end of July, a visible show of support for a manager under fire (BBC Sport).

Eckert made a point of thanking him. "It means a lot that he was not swayed by public opinion but looked at what actually happened," he said. "I am very grateful that he has taken his decision" (BBC Sport).

For Southampton fans, the Spygate saga has been a bruising ride. One season that promised a shot at promotion back to the Premier League ended with the club thrown out of the play-offs and their manager facing an FA charge. The new season now looms with the FA's disciplinary process still unresolved.

The club, meanwhile, has been quietly getting on with other business. Southampton unveiled their 2026/27 away kit — ultra blue with light pink detailing and an iridescent crest, inspired by the Solent, the stretch of water that defines the city (southamptonfc.com). It is the third instalment of the club's "Southampton Made" campaign. A new shirt, a manager still in place, and plenty still to prove.