Tonda Eckert called off the press conference and left. (Image: Getty Images)
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert stormed out of her post-match press conference, refusing to be drawn into the Spygate scandal which will determine her side’s play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough. Southampton have been charged by the EFL with breaching misconduct rules after Boro reported their play-off semi-final opponents to the league after allegedly catching a Saints employee filming a training session ahead of Thursday’s first leg.
After the goalless draw at Riverside, Eckert remained silent in a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, but was pressed on the matter again and instead directed reporters to the club’s statement, which was released on Friday night. During the post-match press conference, as questions continued to mount, Southampton’s spokesperson abruptly ended the interview and the pair quickly left the room in a tense scene. Below is the full transcript of the Spygate exchange.
Journalist: Last night the club was charged by the EFL. Was it a distraction for you or the players?
Journalist: Was that a surprise to you or was it something you were aware of that might be going on among your staff?
Eckert: Well, I think we can talk about this now, and I know these questions are going to come up, but I don’t think we should get distracted by the importance of these two big games. And these games are always big games, and they always belong to the players. And I think it’s natural that the focus should be on them.
Journalist: Did you have to have a conversation or a little chit-chat with the players to say, “Look, this happened, this is happening, let’s focus on the game.”
Eckert: Just the last part. Let’s focus on the game.
Journalist: So you never talked to the players about the charges?
Eckert: I have nothing to say. We have a big job in front of us, so it is very important that we use all our energy to focus on what needs to be done on the pitch. And again, I think the players did it in a great way.
Journalist: The pre-match handshake seemed frosty…
Eckert: No. To me, it’s… always the same. I shook hands and wished the opposing coach the best of luck, but it was no different from me today.
Journalist: Can you clarify one thing? The club’s position seems to be that espionage did occur, but that the staff acted on their own behalf and of their own volition. Is that what you say as an official representative of the club?
Eckert: I think I’ve said more than enough about that. I know that questions keep coming up. The club issued a statement yesterday evening and that is all I can say.
Journalist: Are you worried that Tuesday’s second leg won’t happen?
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert did not want to talk about the incident. (Image: Getty Images)
Journalist: When did you first become aware that one of your staff members was allegedly at Middlesbrough’s training ground?
Eckert: Look, I’ve said it several times before. I know the questions keep coming up, but I think these games at this point in the season belong to the players…
Journalist: (Interrupting) The questions keep coming because it’s important.
Press Secretary Southampton: Well, I think that’s clear, more than what we’re going to say has been answered.
Journalist: That’s not answered yet…
Press Secretary: I’ll close with that. Please let me finish. We have clarified that the club has issued a statement yesterday, but we have no further comment at this stage. Mr. Tonda answered a couple of times, but was quite reasonable and said he had nothing more to say.
Journalist: He hasn’t answered that.
Spokesperson: He said: “We have responded to that and issued a statement yesterday. We have nothing more to say.” He answered clearly. If anyone would like to ask any further questions prior to Tuesday’s game, please feel free to do so. If not, exit.
Journalist: May I ask what punishment the club expects from the EFL?
Press Secretary: The answer will be exactly the same. Exactly the same.
Reporter: Your statement is a holding statement that says nothing.
Spokesman: We are unable to make any further comment at this time.
Reporter: Do you admit that espionage actually took place?
Press Secretary: Do you have any questions about Tuesday night’s game?
Journalist: Don’t you want to reassure your constituents? Isn’t it a great look for Southampton Football Club?
Press Secretary and Eckert: Thank you very much, everyone. thank you. (gets up and leaves).
