Eckert 'forever grateful' for Saints' 'Spygate' support

Southampton assistant coach Tonda Eckert has received a suspended six-week ban for his role in the club's 'Spygate' scandal, in which Southampton were found guilty of filming a Middlesbrough training session, resulting in the club being kicked out of the Championship playoff final and docked four points. The FA had sought at least a three-month suspension, but an independent commission imposed the lesser penalty, meaning Eckert will be available for Sunday's derby against Portsmouth at St Mary's. Eckert expressed relief at the resolution and said he will be 'forever grateful' for Southampton's support throughout the ordeal.