Spygate: Who is Tonda Eckert and can he keep his job?

Just two weeks ago, Tonda Eckert was a head coach who had the world at his feet. The German had transformed Southampton from relegation candidates to favourites to win the Championship promotion play-offs. And then came Spygate, the explosive controversy which would result in the south-coast club being thrown out of the play-offs and deducted four points for next season.

No-one knows exactly who was complicit with William Salt - an intern analyst - embarking on spying mission to Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park training base, or similar visits to watch Oxford United and Ipswich Town. The written reasons from the English Football League will provide the trail of evidence. Until then, we don't know Eckert's role, or whether he was involved.

Eckert looked like he was the man to build a new era for Southampton in the Premier League. But many supporters and those connected with the club have made their minds up. He is intrinsically linked to a dark period in the club's history, whether he knew about the spying or not.

Why was the 33-year-old so highly rated? Is there a future for him at St Mary's? Tonda Eckert spent 15 months as assistant manager of Barnsley between 2020 and 2021 When Will Still was sacked by Southampton on 2 November, Saints were in 21st place - three points outside the Championship relegation zone with one win in 13 games.