Tonda Eckert initiated Southampton’s spying tactics

Tonda Eckert, head coach of Southampton, initiated the practice of spying on opponents, according to newly released documents. An intern tasked with recording rival training sessions was reportedly assured that the "manager loved it." Southampton was expelled from the Championship playoffs last month after being found guilty of spying on Oxford United, Ipswich, and Middlesbrough. Eckert is currently under investigation by the Football Association (FA), and remarks from the panel that rejected the club’s appeal against their expulsion suggest that he played a significant role in the scheme.

According to the findings of an English Football League (EFL) arbitration panel, the first instance of spying occurred prior to Southampton’s Boxing Day match against Oxford. The panel noted that "Mr. Eckert asked if someone could observe the Oxford training session to see how they were lining up and whether a particular player was fit to play," referring to player Cameron Brannagan. In a disciplinary hearing, Eckert expressed surprise that these actions were against the rules.

Eckert made his suggestion during a meeting with Southampton’s analysis team, which led to an analyst identifying an intern to carry out the task. The intern later testified that he “didn’t really have an option” but to comply with the instructions, feeling he wasn’t afforded the chance to refuse. After observing two training sessions, the intern sent updates, photographs, and videos back to the club concerning tactical shape and player selection. Eckert stated that he did not watch the footage, but he did engage in a phone conversation with the intern afterward. One member of the analysis team texted the intern, saying, "Try and make out as much as you can please. You legend. Manager loved it."

In April, the intern was asked once more to record Ipswich while they trained for an upcoming fixture at Southampton’s ground in Eastleigh. However, he declined, citing concerns, prompting the selection of an academy analyst, who recorded footage of that session. Eckert informed the commission that he was only aware of the footage two hours before kick-off and believed it was shot on CCTV by Eastleigh.

The third instance involved Middlesbrough. The initial intern was again assigned the task and purportedly felt compelled to accept it due to concerns about his job security. Eckert later criticized him for not departing immediately after the assignment was accepted. The intern's visit was notable as he was caught filming a training session. Waiting for Eckert’s direction to return, he ultimately left when no instruction arrived, learning of the club’s accusations during his return journey.

Eckert claimed that the videos were of "poor quality, taken from a far distance" and thus "were of no benefit". Southampton's appeal against their expulsion and a four-point deduction for the next season was denied, with the panel noting that the club did gain a sporting advantage through their spying efforts, distinguishing between sporting advantage and sporting success. The FA’s investigation into Southampton continues.