'It hurts' - Saints boss Eckert on Spygate judgement

'It hurts' - Saints boss Eckert on Spygate judgement Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tonda Eckert was appointed Southampton boss permanently in DecemberByDan George & Adam BlackmoreBBC Sport, HampshirePublished10 minutes agoSouthampton head coach Tonda Eckert admits it has been "tough to read" judgement about his role in the 'Spygate' scandal that took place before the club were kicked out of the Championship play-offs last season.Saints were expelled from the play-offs in mid-May after admitting they spied on three clubs during the campaign.Middlesbrough, who they beat over two legs in the play-off semi-final, were then reinstated to the play-off final and went on to lose to Hull City. The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final.Alongside last season's punishment, Eckert's side will start the new season in the Championship on minus-four points. "It hurts for a number of different reasons," the German told BBC Radio Solent."It's tough to read some of the things that are out there, I've held my hand up for this judgement on something I have authorised."I am responsible and I apologise for bad judgement; we've be in now for a week and there comes a point to look forward and from the first day back in, there's been lots of smiles and a good energy in the place again."To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, 'It hurts for many different reasons'The club held a meeting with all the players and staff immediately after their expulsion from the play-offs, before they headed off for their summer breaks.Eckert admits that was a difficult time. "You can't expect to come into a standing ovation, I think that's very real," he said. &qu...