Southampton manager Tonda Eckert is facing the sack after the EFL upheld their original decision to expel the Saints from the Championship play-off final. Those from St Mary's were unsuccessful with their appeal and will now have to turn their attention to next season, where they'll begin with a four-point deduction. Middlesbrough will go on to face Hull City at Wembley.
Spygate Scandal Costs Southampton Dearly
Southampton admitted fault when it came to spying on their semi-final opponents, but felt the punishment was excessive. Eckert admitted responsibility for secretly watching opposition teams in training, something that is common practice in his native Germany, which he claims left him unaware that it was against the rules in England. The Saints boss has remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the saga, but his antics have smeared the club's name and he now faces the sack following his role in SpyGate.
Owner Furious Over Lost Opportunity
talkSPORT reports that Southampton owner Dragan Solak is thought to be fuming with the situation, which has cost them a shot at the £200m Wembley showdown for a place in the Premier League. As well as potentially losing his job, Eckert and sporting director Johannes Spors are likely to come under investigation from the FA and risk potential suspensions. Eckert had overseen a sensational transformation having only taken over mid-season, but this will massively overshadow his good work.
Sponsors and Players React
The Southampton hierarchy are also wise to the fact that sponsors could pull out of deals. They may not want to be associated with a club who have admitted cheating, with the Saints revealing they watched three opposition teams across the course of the season. The club's woes could further deepen with the Guardian claiming Southampton could face a legal claim from their players for loss of earnings after the club were denied the opportunity of an immediate return to the Premier League. The squad have been discussing their options internally after Boro were reinstated to Saturday's Wembley showpiece against Hull. It is understood there is serious anger within Southampton's dressing room.
Saints star Leo Scienza has spoken out and said: "Disappointment, anger, sadness. It's difficult to find the right words for what we're all feeling right now."
