Tonda Eckert has expressed relief after learning he will serve only a suspended six-week ban for his involvement in the 'Spygate' scandal. The Southampton boss was charged by the Football Association with three breaches of Rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct after the club was found guilty of breaching three EFL regulations at the end of last season, following the filming of opponents Middlesbrough's training session.
Southampton were subsequently kicked out of the Championship play-off final and docked four points for this term. While the FA pushed for at least a three-month suspension, an independent commission decided otherwise, meaning Eckert can be on the touchline for the visit of rivals Portsmouth to St Mary's on Sunday.
Eckert told a press conference: "We got a heads-up on Monday. It's a big week for us as a football club. We're heading into a very important game on Sunday and to have clarity as quick as possible going into such an important game, I think has not just been a relief for me but everyone involved."
He added: "There was a fair chance that the verdict goes a different way. After such a long time, we have verdict from the EFL, we have a verdict now and whatever you expect is not necessary what you get in the end. For me it's just to hold my head up, one more time I made a mistake and it's for me to take the consequences."
Eckert had "nothing" to say when quizzed on his response to critics who may state the punishment is too lenient. However, the 33-year-old was more forthcoming on his gratitude for Saints owner Dragan Solak and the club during a period of enormous uncertainty.
"Obviously it does make a big difference that we can draw a line now. Not just for me but also for the ones close to me," Eckert acknowledged. "It's tough. It changes your life. If I was to say it has been all easy from the very first moment, it has not but you need to find a way. You need to find a conclusion at one point in the summer if you want to continue. That first decision was not for me but was for the club to make."
He continued: "I said this straight away but it's for me to say thank you for the support and not just Dragan but the whole board. I think there are many football clubs that take a different decision in the summer. What makes this club special is that in times that are a lot tougher and especially with a lot of outside pressure, that we come to a decision the way we have done it. It will be and not just for the moment but that will be something to forever be grateful for."