Southampton v Boro
Tuesday 12 th May 2026
St Mary’s Stadium
k.o. 8p.m.
It is a rare occasion when more has been written about events off the field than the forthcoming game of a second leg semi-final with a win resulting in a Wembley appearance.
Spygate 2 has dominated the headlines and rightly so because of the cheating tactics employed by the Southampton coaching staff and management. To then blame the video capture of Boro training by an employee using self initiative beggars belief.
The Southampton data analyst was apparently not just using a phone to video Boro training but was transmitting data directly to other members of the Southampton management, including the capture of Kim Hellberg’s voice issuing training and set piece instructions using lomg range sound equipment.
The Boro management have rightly reported the incident to the EFL and demanded that the highest penalty be imposed including expulsion from the playoff games and potential promotion to the premier league.
Spygate 2 will rumble on for quite a while …..
OFB
Thanks for getting us started, OFB. It’s going to be a very nervy night - if the ethical footballing gods exist, maybe they could bless us with an early goal or two.
@OFB. “To then blame the video capture of Boro training by an employee using self initiative beggars belief.”
I couldn’t agree more having undertaken numerous internal investigations for a major high street bank over many years, this is one of the weakest defences/excuses I have heard; it doesn’t matter one iota if he was using self initiative he is a company employee and as such the Company is ultimately responsible for his actions.
If what you also report about the data being shared with other members of the backroom staff is correct, then the excuse is untrue and not only are they cheats but also liars.
Unless we win tonight I agree that this will run for a very long time, especially as I suspect that the EFL will not do the right thing and expel them from the play offs; also imagine what relationships will be like if Hull were to win at Wembley and both clubs are still in the Championship next season with SG no doubt instigating legal action. 😎
Thanks Bob for starting us off so well
No doubt the EFL will be hoping that the Boro go through tonight so that the possible nuclear option of expelling Southampton from the play-offs is no longer on the table. A major points deduction and fine, with suitable compensation to the Boro, would then settle the matter. The fact that the Boro went through would mean that the cheating had little impact on the ultimate outcome.
Should Southampton beat the Boro convincingly by, say, three goals or more, then the EFL would be in a difficult position, since few people would be entirely happy to see a committee overturn a decisive result on the field of play. I'd hazard that expelling Southampton would be an unlikely option in those circumstances.
But what if Boro lose, either by a single goal or a penalty shoot-out, circumstances in which the Boro could convincingly argue that the cheating could well have had a direct effect upon the result?
Disqualification might well result, though Southampton would probably appeal, leading to messy complications with the final looming. For the EFL a hefty fine of £70-80m with a significant amount going to the Boro, and a major points deduction in whichever league Southampton are playing in, might prove to be the easy way out for them, however much we may justifiably gnash our teeth at the undoubted injustice of it all.
A good opener, Bob.
Much as one would rather simply focus on the game, SpyGate and its impact cannot be ignored. Nonetheless focusing on the game is exactly what I’ll try to do in today’s two part piece.
RULE OF BORO RELATIVITY
As I’ve previously noted, I got why the 0-0 result in the first leg felt demoralising to some. The feeling of an opportunity missed to not only take a lead to St Mary’s but also to (a) prove SpyGate didn’t matter, (b) go out with a bang in front of our home fans and (c) end that long, long run of not scoring in play-off fixtures.
Yet the more I reflect on it, the prouder I feel. No concrete gains, but no concrete concessions, either. We didn’t get sucker punched like we have done repeatedly in the past after failing to take our chances. Against a team with more strength in depth, too. Unexpected and hugely welcome resilience, at the right time. Which leads me onto my next point…
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
I took time to study the pattern of our home win against Saints in the league and I now think it was a refreshing difference that the attacks followed the resilience and not the other way around. In a display which echoed Manchester United’s 4-0 win over Chelsea in the 1994 FA Cup Final, it was the losing team who made all the running in the first half and it was they who nearly went in front. In United’s case, the woodwork saved them, in our case, it was an Adilson Malanda block.
But our luck, like United’s, held. Two goals in seven minutes turned the tide for them and us on the way to four goal wins that may have been a bit flattering on the day but were just reward for “hanging in there”.
Contrast this with our home defeat to Millwall, the draw in the first leg and, under Karanka, the away game at Rotherham in 2016, where attacking from the off and creating lots of chances went either unrewarded or barely rewarded, and a combination of exhaustion, frustration or both likely caught up with us and we didn’t win. The name of the game tonight may be, then, to maintain a steady tempo throughout and unleash Hellball on the opposition at the most vulnerable time - something which I believe almost worked at Ipswich and definitely worked against Watford.
We’ll see…
I do, of course, believe that Southampton should be disqualified, fined, and have points deducted whatever tonight's result.
Committees rarely produce such decisive outcomes however
Look at some of the wrong doings in the past and the worst has been points deducted usually for the following season. Other serious wrong doings have attracted big fines.
There’s no way Southampton will be kicked out of the playoffs.
Is this wrong doing worse than previous ones attracting fines? It doesn’t feel like it to me.
So, all that matters is tonight and hopefully Boro can produce a top performance and we’ll take what that deserves.
And the spy wrong doing will take its course and action taken in future weeks or months and it will all be forgotten after tonight by most Boro supporters.
Fingers crossed for tonight 👍🤔😁
BREAKING 🚨 Southampton have requested more time to conduct an internal review after they were charged with spying on Middlesbrough.
OFB
We would like to provide a brief update regarding the incident reported at Middlesbrough last week.
The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the Disciplinary Commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood.
Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly.
We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn.
Having spent a significant amount of time around this football club, I know the character of the people within it. The togetherness shown by players, staff and supporters throughout this season has been a huge part of the progress we have made, and I am confident that spirit will remain unchanged.
This season has represented another important step forward for the football club. While we know there is still more work ahead of us and we are not yet where we ultimately want to be, the unity shown during challenging moments has continued to define Southampton Football Club.
The support from our fans throughout the season has once again been exceptional, and everyone connected with the club remains fully committed to building long-term success in the right way.
Dragan Solak continues to support the club financially, and we remain proud to have stayed competitive while operating within financial regulations, something that is important for the long-term stability of the club.
Our focus now turns fully to this evening’s game. This is the time for all of us to get behind the team and create another special atmosphere at St Mary’s.
Phil Parsons
CEO
Southampton Football Club
...Committees rarely produce such decisive outcomes however
Indeed. Instead of the horse that should be delivered based on the unicorn of our specification, we will end up with the two humped camel that sees Soton promoted with a 12 point deduction to start the next season and a 6 figure fine leaving them laughing all rhe way to the bank for at least the next two seasons (thanks to parachute payments) that will allow them ro be stronger still on the field than today.
Calculated and, apparently, frequent flouting of rules designed to maintain a degree of sporting integrity ahould result in relegation of at least one tier. I am sure Oxford (allegedly also targets of Soton''s off field "research" ) deserve another year in the Championship.
Thanks Bob for getting the debate going on part two of this fixture. I gopw tou are feeling much better and, above all elae, that you will enjoy a victory to savour this evening.
@philip-of-huddersfield. I believe Swindon were thrown out of a cup competition earlier this season for playing two ineligible players; it can be done to the little clubs but I don’t see any real punishment being given out in this instance. 😎
BREAKING 🚨 Southampton have requested more time to conduct an internal review after they were charged with spying on Middlesbrough.
OFB
A classic case of trying to delay a time-sensitive matter in order to make any sanction too late for it to be able to be made effectively.
Perhaps, the EFL should make it clear that since Southampton as a club have accepted they did indeed break the rules then any supporting evidence that supports their case will need to be made before Wednesday.
After all, how long would it take anyone to establish why their employee went all the way from Southampton to Teesside to record and video Boro's training session and then send the information back to the club
- who had he met with prior to the visit and who were his planned subsequent meetings with
- where did he get the surveillance equipment from
- who paid for his travel
Not to mention that other clubs have also suspected spying from Southampton this season - if the surveillance equipment had been purchased earlier in the season then that would support such suspicions.
I think Southampton have been caught red-handed and now they are trying to gaslight everyone with Tonda Eckert deliberately avoiding talking about it to avoid possible self-incrimination. Let's not forget we're talking about a prize worth nearly £200m and with these sums people can be persuaded to keep quiet and keep their heads down.
The EFL need to make a swift decision to keep their integrity and no doubt Southampton could easily face a legal suit from Steve Gibson should they progress at our expense!
I should add that if Southampton need more time to conduct a review then clearly they have been unable to establish that their employee was acting alone as stated to the EFL - therefore they suspect a conspiracy among the coaching team - which essentially admits guilt. Any owner or chairman would be able to establish in a short meeting who was involved - if they continue to claim it was an individual acting alone then they also become part of that conspiracy and would be liable for any legal sanction for damages. However, if they were able to dismiss any employees for gross misconduct and accepted the club cheated then that may save them millions in the future.
@lenmasterman I think that if Southampton win promotion, the EFL cannot impose any points deductions against a EPL.
Remember, Leicester only got punished for their previous wrongdoings when they returned the EFL Championship.
Also Committees rarely make meaningful decisions.
@pedro. “I think that if Southampton win promotion, the EFL cannot impose any points deductions against a EPL.”
You are correct about the EFL not being able to impose a points deduction against an EPL team but it is my understanding that they can request the EPL to consider such a request as they are all part of the football pyramid.
Fingers crossed that this scenario will not be an issue and that Boro win tonight in which case the EFL can do what they want. 😎
The Times' contribution to the spying debate:
The lads have been practising penalty-taking...
The Times' contribution to the spying debate:
The lads have been practising penalty-taking...
Just finished reading the comments on the on-line article which don't appear on the archived version & came across this:
I am a Boro fan and feel conflicted about this. I fully understand your stance (*) - worst possible sanction, stop anyone else doing it. But…
Have boro earned their place in the final by getting a bye? Nah.
Also, 17 shots in the first half on Sat. Couldn’t hit a barn door. If we don’t get through it’s our own fault. We would already be promoted if we were more clinical in front of goal.
Finally, I suppose it is feasible that this analyst was using ‘initiative’. I imagine they are on some silly bonus scheme, and it’s a tough job to get ahead in. Has he been sacked do we know?
(*) the stance in question:
If Southampton are kicked out of the playoffs it would be disproportionate, ridiculous & inconsistent. Man City have faced 115 charges which they're successfully kicking down the road & Chelsea who received little more than a slap on the wrist for their misdemeanors - which enabled them to win trophies. The FA need to treat smaller clubs no different than the so called big clubs.
P.S. Good to see you starting threads again, Bob. 🙂
Thanks to OFB for the intro and the further updates.
i tend to gree with others have said about committees and decisions although the process is supposed to be through an independent panel……..
That Southampton have requested more time is very telling and puts paid to the “ lone wolf “ argument. IF that had been the case, then no investigation would be required, a straightforward sacking of the individual concerned would have sufficed and probably got them off the hook.
Given the timescales, then I can only think that the EFL are hoping for Boro to win as that will save them a whole of lot of grief and problems. Otherwise it becomes a total mess and I think a fudge will be the end result. I wonder if SG will take legal action if a satisfactory outcome does not occur. He does have form for this with the Derby County situation that arose in 2019.
Onto the important issue of the game in 2 hours time - an early goal or two from Boro is required and I would imagine this might be the game plan because if Soton get a goal, then based on the first half on Saturday, we will struggle to break them down as they will park the bus.
Hoping that HH can start or at the very least come on in the 2nd half depending on the situation and that we will be victorious.
Its going to be tense and nervy and will test our patience and the swear filter!
I wonder if SG is going to the game. Could be frosty in the boardroom afterwards!
BBD - I’m pretty sure KH has already said that HH won’t play tonight but could be ready for the Final.
@martin-bellamy Cheers - missed that one although have been working most of the last couple of days invigilating exams.
Hoping that HH can start or at the very least come on in the 2nd half depending on the situation and that we will be victorious.
Good news from CJ only if we win this evening:
Kim Hellberg has a couple of big decisions to make this evening on his starting XI. However, he still can't call upon Hayden Hackney.
Hellberg said: “Hayden is preparing for the final. He will not be ready for this one, but I think he will be ready for the final. He hasn’t been close enough [to play in the second leg], to be fair. He’s on the grass now and, to be fair, that was a massive step forward in the last few days. He’s getting better and better, and in 14 days, he will be ready."
@stircrazy - makes sense I guess, especially when you look at the bench. Not a lot of options.
We will just have to hope that we can make better use of the pressure we had on Saturday.
Chairman CJ's assessment of the starting XI:
As expected, an unchanged XI from Kim Hellberg this evening, and still no Hayden Hackney. Hellberg had ruled the midfielder out, but then he was seen travelling with the squad yesterday.
In terms of changes in the squad, there are two, as Edmundson and Munroe step onto the bench, replacing Hunt and Ibeh. No strikers on the bench, as a result of that, though Leo Castledine came on as a false nine in the first leg.
The two defenders added to the bench makes sense. Kim Hellberg preparing for if, late on, he needs to protect a lead. The lack of options in their squad was felt on Saturday as Southampton almost won it with their subs far stronger.
If they need a goal from the bench, Castledine, Sarmiento, Hansen and Silvera are the options, while Browne has played in forward areas and scored four goals this season.
He earlier reported the following changes to the Saints' starting line-up:
Three changes to [Eckert's] Southampton team for the second leg. Shea Charles, Kuryu Matsuki and Ross Stewart come into the 11 in place of Flynn Downes, Tom Fellows and Cyle Larin.
If they need a goal from the bench, Castledine, Sarmiento, Hansen and Silvera are the options, while Browne has played in forward areas and scored four goals this season.
Not entirely convinced by this argument - holding on to long thin drinking tubes springs to mind!
#UTB. And welcome back, OFB.
One aspect that concerns me is that Southampton are conducting their own investigation.
In my experience this rarely gets to the truth of the matter and establishes the full facts; an independent investigation is needed if that is to be achieved.
This request for extra time sounds more like a case of a delaying tactics to enable them to get their ducks in a row and try to come up with a response designed to mitigate the penalty. 😎