Sheffield United's Championship rivals poised to learn head coach's punishment after Spygate scandal
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert was charged with misconduct by the Football Association earlier this year in relation to Spygate.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert is expected to discover the extent of his punishment following the Spygate scandal earlier this year later this week.
The Saints, who are scheduled to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane towards the end of November, were thrown out of last season’s Championship play-off final by an independent EFL commission after admitting to spying charges.
Southampton, who had progressed to the final after beating Middlesbrough 2-1 in the second leg of their play-off semi-final showdown, were found guilty of spying on a Boro training session ahead of the first leg at the Riverside. The Saints were also found guilty of spying on Oxford United and Ipswich Town during the regular season.
Eckert, who has been in charge at St Mary’s for almost a year, was charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) in July. The German has since apologised for his actions, but his punishment has yet to be determined.
However, Sky Sports News has reported that the hearing to determine Eckert’s punishment will take place on Thursday, with the outcome expected to be revealed before the end of the current international break.
Southampton are next in action on Sunday, October 11, when they host arch-rivals Portsmouth at St Mary’s.
Although Eckert has said that Southampton have already received “a big, big punishment”, referencing the four points they were deducted ahead of the start of this season, it is possible the German could handed a lengthy suspension by the FA.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Eckert said: "We're so long into the process, the FA is going to decide what they decide, and move on. My impression from the hearing was that they listened to me.
"We sat for almost four hours, so it's been quite a long conversation. The club received a big, big punishment. A big punishment.
"I think it's a punishment that is absolutely unheard of in the history of sports. And it's tough for me to say that because obviously it concerns me.
"But I've asked for forgiveness for what I've done. I've apologised publicly. I think the punishment has been very hard on the club.
"The rest is not for me to decide."
Southampton, who were beaten 2-1 by Wrexham on Saturday, are currently 13th in the Championship table, five places and one point ahead of the Blades after eight games.