'I've asked for forgiveness' - Eckert and Southampton braced for Spygate verdict

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert awaits an FA disciplinary hearing on Thursday over misconduct charges linked to the Spygate scandal, in which he authorised espionage on Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. The affair already saw Southampton expelled from the Championship play-off final, costing them a shot at £200m in promotion money, plus a four-point deduction imposed by an EFL panel this season. Eckert told BBC Sport he has apologised and cooperated fully with the FA's investigation, while chief executive Phil Parsons said further punishment would be "really tough to take." Despite the points deduction, Southampton have made a strong start to the season, and Eckert says the club must move on to pursue its ambitions.