Southampton fear further punishment for Spygate scandal: 'We've been through enough'

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FT Desk

Southampton believe they have been punished enough following the Spygate scandal that enveloped the Championship playoffs last year.

At the end of last season, a Southampton performance analyst was caught secretly filming Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of the Championship playoff semi-final between the two clubs.

Middlesbrough’s training ground at Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth-on-Tees just outside Darlington, differs from the secluded facilities used by many professional clubs. The training complex forms part of the luxury spa and golf resort, built by Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson, and is visible from areas accessible to the public.

Before the crucial playoff fixture, a Southampton analyst was spotted standing on top of a small hill overlooking the Middlesbrough training pitch. He proceeded to make a video call while live-streaming the session.

A member of Middlesbrough’s staff soon noticed the activity and approached the man. The Southampton employee immediately fled the area, changed clothes in a dressing room inside the golf resort and left the premises.

The incident, however, had already left a trail of evidence. CCTV footage, combined with a description provided by the Middlesbrough staff member, enabled the individual to be identified. He was subsequently matched to a member of Southampton’s staff listed on the club’s website.

Southampton were later found guilty of improper sporting conduct and removed from the playoff final. Middlesbrough were reinstated in their place, although they ultimately lost the final to Hull City.

The Saints were also given a four-point deduction for the 2026/26 Championship campaign.

This week, an independent regulatory commission will hear charges against their coach Tonda Eckert, but the club believe they have suffered enough already.

Saints chief executive Phil Parsons said: "What we hope as a club is they [the FA panel] actually recognise where we are at the moment, and what we've already been through, because I think it has to be taken into account.

"I really feel like we've taken enough. We've been hurt. I think it's one of the largest sanctions ever when it comes to football, or even sporting, history.

"We lose money not being in the Premier League, but [local] businesses lose money. We had to spend a huge amount on legal fees, and it really impacts the club even further. We don't want to be seen as a victim of this. We need to get on. We've had our cards dealt."

Eckert has already admitted to sending spies to look at Middlesbrough, Oxford and Ipswich training sessions last season, though he was unaware such a practice breached rules in England.

He told BBC Sport on Monday:

"It's been a big, big punishment. Absolutely unheard of in the history of sports.

"And it's tough for me to say that because it concerns me. I'm judging on myself, not an outside situation. But I've asked for forgiveness for what I've done. I've apologised publicly.

"I think the punishment has been very hard on the club for the last season."