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

Sports editor Published 23 minutes ago More than four months since the Spygate scandal erupted, Southampton manager Tonda Eckert's wait to discover his fate for authorising an espionage campaign is almost over.

In the coming days, a decisive Football Association hearing will take place, after the German coach was charged with misconduct in July.

Spying on three clubs has already cost Southampton the chance of promotion to the Premier League (worth £200m), after they were expelled from the Championship play-off final. An EFL panel also docked the club four points for this season.