Eckert will be happy when FA reaches Spygate verdict

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says the looming Football Association charge over the Spygate scandal is on his mind as he awaits their verdict.

It has been more than a week since the 33-year-old was charged with misconduct by the FA for authorising the observation of rival training sessions.

Saints were kicked out of the Championship play-offs in May after admitting they spied on three clubs during the campaign.

The FA said Eckert acted in an improper manner and/or brought the game into disrepute.

In June, Saints owner Dragan Solak said he would not sack the German head coach, but that call could be taken out of his hands if Eckert is handed a lengthy ban.

"I would be lying if I said that it is not in the back of my mind," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

"I think that's true for everyone involved, but the positive thing is I just love the game. I love football - there's so much to prepare for.

"There's so many things to do in the pre-season with training preparation and a transfer window, and once you lock into whatever is needed at the very moment, that's all that matters.

"It's not that it's constantly on my mind but obviously we'll be happy when the decision comes at one point and until then I just keep my head down, working, and I think the boys are in a good place."

Southampton are in Germany for a pre-season training camp, with owner Solak pictured with the squad, external as the club await the FA's decision.

Eckert's team have already played friendlies against Eastleigh and Eintracht Braunschweig as well as a behind-closed-doors game against SC Paderborn.

They will play Preussen Munster on Saturday in their final friendly before taking on Colchester the following weekend in the Carabao Cup first round.

One week later they start their Championship season at Watford, and Eckert is hoping that last campaign's success, specifically in the FA Cup, can help them bring plenty of momentum and belief into the new season.

"We'll be competing for automatics [top two] - I think that's clear and that's the ambition," Eckert added.

"There's going to be some challenges on the way like every season, that so many games will bring.

"Obviously you have some big clubs now coming down but in the end it's down to us and I think we've shown what we can do also against bigger teams, even if that's a different competition.

"We've shown what we are capable of doing and we need to make sure we connect to that as quick as possible."