EVERY word Saints head coach Tonda Eckert said after his side reached the Championship play-off final with a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
Congratulations on reaching the final. How did that feel?
TE: There is so much dedication and work that goes into every single day, and in the end, that's what it always is, the games live off.
The same as it is as always, it's just small moments in the game. I think that Middlesbrough have just been very, very good over two legs.
We knew it was going to be a big challenge today. We did want a different start to the game, but then it just shows the character of the players.
I think we've had so many different games here at St Mary's, finding an early start in the game, opening up the game.
Sometimes we've gone down, and we in the end have always found a way, and I think that speaks for the character of the group.
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Another bit of proof of the character of the players?
TE: Yeah, and I think if you come to this stage of the season, that's exactly what you need. I think these games are dictated by moments.
It is the players on the pitch, dictated by the resilience that you have on small and bigger setbacks within 90 or 120 minute.
Credit to the players for dealing with that in the way they did.
Are Edozie and Scienza okay after picking up injuries?
TE: Yeah, I would hope so. It was clear that Leo was in pain from early on. He was on the bike at half-time to make sure he didn't cool down too much.
But still, you could see how tough the first steps were for him in the second half. We just needed him to push for as long as he could.
Then I didn't really see the challenge, I just saw Sami going down and was on the far side. Then every single situation he was just holding his shoulder.
I just didn't want to take the risk that we have to defend another set-piece later on in the game. That's why I decided then to take him off.
What is your understanding of Harwood-Bellis/Ayling situation?
TE: I don't have one yet, I haven't spoken to Taylor. I've just seen that they've talked straight after the game. A lot of emotions, but they seemed fine.
So I need to check with him what exactly happened.
It was said that the referee would report it, will he be punished?
TE: Again, I need to talk to him. There must have been a communication on the pitch, but again, I need to check with him what happened exactly.
Are you any closer to knowing the outcome of EFL charges?
TE: No, I don't know. It's the same as the last game. It's not easy for me to not comment. There's just nothing I can say at the moment.
It's an ongoing investigation. We're taking the matter very seriously. I will say something, but I just can't say it now.
Are you at all worried about how severe the punishment could be?
TE: I think it's not on me to have an opinion on that. Again, it's an ongoing investigation and the club has made a statement.
I know I don't like having to repeat myself, but I just ask you to respect that because that really is the only thing I can say at the moment.
Hellberg is emotional. Are you sorry if you have breached rules?
TE: I think everyone has the right to express his opinion. He has done that and all I can say is that I will say something. It's just not the moment now.
You clearly know more so why are you not commenting yet?
TE: Because it's an ongoing investigation and nothing that I say at the moment is going to make an impact on that. So I guess it's not easy for me.
It doesn't change. I would say something. It's just not the moment.
What do you say to people who say you don't deserve to win?
TE: I think the whole matter is overshadowing two games that are an effort for the championship. I think from both teams.
I would hope that the way we speak about that gives credit to the quality of both games. Then when the investigation is closed, I will say something.
Do you feel others have made too big a deal of the situation?
TE: We do understand the seriousness of the matter. I think that's all there is to say at the moment.
Have you said to your players? Have they been able to ignore it?
TE: I think they have shown that on the pitch today, how focused they are. It's not easy when you come up to a second leg.
There are obviously a lot of emotions, a very crucial game. You go down early on, I think it's never easy to then find your way back into the game.
I think the performance of the players speaks for itself.
Tonda, are you a cheat?
Comms: Thank you very much [ends the press conference]. Show some respect, that's all we ask. Show some respect [both leave].
