Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says the Spygate controversy has had a life-changing impact on him.
The 33-year-old spoke to reporters for the first time since the Football Association handed him a suspended six-week ban and a £28,000 fine over his involvement in the affair.
Southampton were removed from the Championship play-offs in May after acknowledging that they had observed training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough ahead of the play-off semi-final.
However, Eckert avoided an immediate individual sanction that could have put his position at risk following an investigation into his conduct lasting more than four months.
A three-month suspension had been recommended, but the commission reduced the punishment after taking into account significant mitigating circumstances, particularly what it regarded as his sincere remorse.
The governing body has not yet announced whether it intends to challenge the independent commission’s decision.
Eckert admitted that the experience had been difficult and had transformed his life, adding that it would be wrong to suggest the process had been easy.
He explained that he had to find a way forward and decide during the summer how he wanted to proceed.
Eckert said the owner’s initial public support was primarily a decision made for the club. From that point, he had to determine whether he still had the energy required to lead the project into its next phase.
He added that after committing to continue, there could be no room for excuses.
Eckert appeared composed at Thursday’s media conference at Southampton’s Staplewood training base, joking with reporters before answering their questions.
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