Dragon Solak Would Not Sack Tonda Eckert
Tuesday, 2nd Jun 2026 07:42

Sport Republic and therefore de facto Saints owner Dragan Solak has come out in support of Tonga Eckert, a statement that will please most Southampton fans but perhaps dismay others.

I have to say now that as you may know I am in favour of Eckert staying at `St Mary’s, whilst I do not condone what has happene, I take it in the context of the modern game, one where clubs like Manchester City can drag on charges levelled against them for year as they have the money to do so, whilst others do not.

I also consider that spying itself is not contrary to EFL rules, only the timing, as long as you do it more than 72 hours before a game then it is legal.

That beggars the question as to which leg of the semi final we were spying for, perhaps we should have claimed that we were spying on their tactics for the game at St Mary’s in which case we were doing it legally lol.

Now Dragan Solak is quoted as standing behind his manager.

"I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him," the Serb businessman told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview.

"My full support would be behind him actually, because I think he's a super-talented manager."

He went on to clarify that this was not just his view but that of the entire board.

"I believe Tonda that he didn't know that it was the rule that he was breaking.

"My personal opinion, and the opinion of the board, is that he is a manager who deserves to be backed by us and to be supported by us. I will obviously seek advice from the team. I will seek advice from the players, from the fans. But yes, if it's ultimately my decision, he stays."

Solak added

"In Italy or in Germany, where Tonda was working, this is basically common practice that nobody cares about."

However, Solak said he also issued Eckert with a lighthearted warning.

"I told him: 'You almost broke my heart. You do it again, you'll kill me. The next time I see you in July, if you don't know the EFL book of rules by heart, you can't work for me. Because, we can't have another mistake.'

"I truly hope that he will learn from this experience and he will achieve an incredible career."

All photos Via Reuters

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WestSussexSaint added 08:05 - Jun 2

Whether you think Dragan’s stance is correct or not, he should be applauded for coming out and doing a proper interview to explain the club’s position and his views. The previous statements from the club did nothing to address the position positively or with any acknowledgment of what the fans have been going through.

If anyone deserves to feel wronged it is Dragan Solak. He has pumped millions of his own money into the club and has every right to be angry at having the chance to play in the PL taken away. This time last year he acknowledged the mistakes that Sports Republic had made the previous season and promised to support the club, so I’m glad that he is doubling down on that commitment. For thise calling for Dragan and SR to get out of our club should be careful what they wish for. The financial situation would be a lot worse if he were to walk.

To his decision to back Tonda. Ignorance of the rules is no defence, especially for someone who prides himself on being so meticulous in his work. It will make next season even more difficult for the club to restore credibility as every win will be greeted with suspicion (deserving or otherwise). That said everyone makes mistakes and deserves a second chance. So if Dragan can see that then fair play to him. Personally it will take a bit longer for my faith in the club and manager to be restored.

Of course it may still be taken out of the clubs hands by a ban from the FA. But for the first time in this mess the club have come out on the front foot and for that Dragan Solak should be applauded.

davidargyll added 09:42 - Jun 2 Both statements very contrite and welcome. I will definitely be taking up my season ticket again
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dirk_doone added 09:50 - Jun 2 Good to see Dragan is sticking with the best manager we've had for years. We support our club through thick and thin.
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Bowlercow added 09:53 - Jun 2 Two video statements on the club website site One from Draagan and one from Tonda Both are honest and respectful We have had to wait awhile for this response but for me they have got it spot on I would like to see one more response, from Jack Stevens to express the players take on it all. Roll on August
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SainteSimon added 10:20 - Jun 2 Like both statements for their honesty and Tonda staying; now can I renew my season ticket please, COYS!
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davidargyll added 10:54 - Jun 2 PS. Some may have missed this but DS also stated that he had had fantastic support from Parsons and Spors. So for better or ill, they clearly are not going anywhere…
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highfield49 added 11:44 - Jun 2

Good to hear and read that the club recognises the errors made. Of course that will mean nothing to the media and dim witted pundits who earn a living from click bait opinion.
So what is happening with the FA investigation? With their history of procrastination and possible prevarication we could see Tonda banned whenever they choose? My cynical side says that they will likely consult Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and some assorted pundits before announcing sanctions a day before the new season starts.

Boris1977 added 12:18 - Jun 2 We've been disproportionately punished so cannot face yet more penalties. Be interesting to see how refs manage our games next season
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ItchenNorth added 13:46 - Jun 2 I can see it now. St Mary's, ACDC (Thunderstruck) playing over the PA..... TONDA Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah TONDA Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah TONDA Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah TONDA Nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah You've been..... 🥁 🥁 🥁🥁 🥁 Tondastruck Roll on August.
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IanRC added 13:55 - Jun 2 Good statements by the club and Tonder today. The Efl certainly has some questions to answer but probably won't do so. Personally I can't wait for the Middlesbrough games next season.
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Block8 added 14:17 - Jun 2 Please read the whole interview on the BBC website, as the video is edited along BBC bias guidelines. What still riles me is that we lost the chance of promotion, basically, to see what formation Oxford would employ and to see if Hackney was fit? Not quite sure about Tonda's comment regarding Ipswich meant! Let's move on & up the football league we go 😇😇 COYR
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bartley41 added 16:43 - Jun 2 A sincere statement by Tonda, I believe he will be a great Manager. We all make mistakes in Life and he is young enough to learn, let us all move on.
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