Tonda Eckert urges Saints to generate moments again
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has urged his side to "generate those moments again" after an outstanding late-season run ended when the club was expelled from the Championship play-offs for spying. The German wants Saints to rebuild excitement and strengthen the bond created during that unbeaten streak.
Key Takeaways
- Tonda Eckert guided Southampton through a 21-game unbeaten Championship run before the play-off exit.
- He wants the team to recreate the moments that re-energised a long-suffering fan base.
- Saints were expelled after admitting spying and will start the new season on minus-four points.
- Eckert has apologised for "bad judgement" while an FA investigation into individuals continues.
- Owner Dragan Solak has backed the coach; Saints open away at Watford on 16 August.
What did Tonda Eckert say about extending Saints' form?
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Eckert pointed back to the spells that "just excite you and that you just don't forget."
"That is what it is about for us to generate those moments again," he said. He added he is "very sure" Saints can do so again, while acknowledging next season will bring fresh challenges.
He also hopes the dressing-room bond built during the surge can be strengthened as the club looks forward.
Why were Southampton removed from the play-offs?
After beating Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, Saints were expelled in mid-May after admitting they spied on three clubs during the campaign.
According to BBC Sport, the EFL charged the club with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, and with filming Middlesbrough ahead of the first leg of the semi-final. Middlesbrough were reinstated for the final and lost to Hull City.
Alongside that punishment, Eckert's side will begin the Championship season on minus-four points. Coverage of the fallout also sits alongside wider club and sport stories in our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
How is Eckert handling the Spygate fallout?
The 33-year-old, appointed permanently after taking temporary charge in November, told BBC Radio Solent it has been "tough to read" the judgement about his role.
"It hurts for a number of different reasons," he said. "I've held my hand up for this judgement on something I have authorised. I am responsible and I apologise for bad judgement."
The FA is still investigating who took part and who knew, with possible sanctions for individuals. Eckert called the FA process "very professional" and said the focus now is preparing players, with "lots of smiles and a good energy" since pre-season returned.
Owner Dragan Solak has said he will not sack Eckert. The coach called that backing "humbling and massive," arguing it rests on trust built through a tough year that also saw him become a father for the first time. Saints' Championship opener is away to Watford on 16 August.