Southampton ‘spy’ named and shown for the first time in surprising report
A new photo, said to be taken at Middlesbrough’s training ground, has given fresh details about the ‘spygate’ situation involving Southampton during the play-offs.
Last Thursday, the EFL started looking into things after Middlesbrough accused a Southampton staff member of watching their training session before the Championship play-off semi-final first leg between the teams.
Leeds were fined for a similar problem back in 2019, but spying is now banned by EFL rules, so Southampton could face tougher penalties. Southampton, managed by Tonda Eckert, won 2-1 on aggregate and made it to the play-off final.
Sky Sports News says Southampton might face several possible punishments, even being kicked out of the play-offs if they’re found guilty.
It’s said that Middlesbrough, managed by Kim Hellberg, will have a two-day break after losing the semi-final, then start training again on Friday just in case the EFL gives them another chance.
The Daily Mail has shared a new photo showing a Southampton staff member standing behind a tree, filming with a phone at what they say is Middlesbrough’s training ground.
Earlier, it was reported that the staff member used ‘professional surveillance equipment’. Sources say he is an important part of Eckert’s first-team staff and highly trusted by the coach.
The staff member, named by the Mail as intern William Salt, was reportedly spotted filming by Middlesbrough staff, who confronted him. He then left quickly and went into the nearby Rockhill Golf Club, owned by Middlesbrough’s chief Steve Gibson.
Other Championship teams believe Southampton may have spied on them too, and are looking into suspicious activity near their training grounds.
The EFL is still investigating, and nobody has been found guilty or broken any rules yet.
SPORTbible has asked Southampton Football Club for a comment.