Neil Ruddock: Southampton players have every right to be ‘furious’ over spying scandal

Neil Ruddock is baffled Southampton stuck by Tonda Eckert after the spying scandal – and believes their players have every right to be “furious” over the fallout.

The former England, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur defender believes the decision could cause resentment within the dressing room after Eckert’s actions contributed to Saints being kicked out of last season’s Championship play-off final.

The German head coach is still awaiting the outcome of an FA charge over the scandal after the club were hit with a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 campaign.

And speaking exclusively to iGaming.com, Ruddock did not hold back when asked whether Eckert should still have a job at St Mary’s.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed EFL news you need, subscribe to The Football League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WATCH THE LATEST FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAPER PODCAST HERE

You can now listen to the The FLP Podcast on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Surprised

The 58-year-old, however, could not resist poking fun at the amateurish nature of the spying operation.

He said: “It was unbelievable! Sending someone to Middlesbrough to spy on training, standing behind a tree with a camera… if you’re going to spy, at least put a Middlesbrough shirt on to blend in with the locals!

“Standing behind a bush looking conspicuous is worst-class espionage.”

However, Ruddock believes Southampton’s players could have every reason to feel aggrieved by the affair after missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

“He reportedly acknowledged doing similar things previously,” he added.

“If I were a player with promotion bonuses on the line, I’d be furious about the distraction, because getting into the Premier League transforms player contracts and earnings.

“I’m surprised the board stood by him, but given their style of play, they decided to maintain continuity.”

Open house

Ruddock also reflected on how opposition scouting worked during his playing days, when training grounds were far less guarded.

“Back in my day, training grounds were completely open house,” he said. “Anyone could walk up and watch sessions.

“We didn’t have smartphone cameras everywhere, but opposition scouts would just stand at the gate taking notes in plain sight.

“There were no real state secrets.”

Southampton suffered defeat on the opening weekend against Watford and will look to bounce back against Stoke City this Saturday – their first home game since their 2-1 victory over Boro in last season’s play-off semi-final.

READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 Bradford City: Graham Alexander praises Bantams response