Southampton ‘spy’ unmasked as Middlesbrough proof stacks up in EFL row
Southampton have been accused of filming a Middlesbrough training session before their playoff clash, and now a suspect has been named
William Salt is pictured alongside Tonda Eckert(Image: Southampton FC)
Southampton’s ‘spy’ seems to have been unmasked as analyst William Salt, following the publication of a photo showing an individual lurking behind a tree and filming Middlesbrough’s training session.
Boro now also suspect that this incident, which allegedly involved someone recording their session in breach of EFL rules, is not the first time the club has been targeted in such a manner.
It’s alleged that Salt observed tactical drills in the 72 hours leading up to Middlesbrough’s play-off semi-final first leg against Southampton. That match ended in a draw before Boro were defeated at St Mary’s after extra time on Tuesday night.
Salt is referred to as an ‘intern’, but is said to be a crucial part of Tonda Eckert’s team, according to Mail Online, who published a photograph of a figure clutching a mobile phone in landscape mode and partially concealed behind a tree at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe training ground.
It’s also claimed that Salt used his bank card to purchase a coffee at the Steve Gibson-owned Rockliffe Hall Golf Club. The club’s legal team are now demanding that Southampton and the person accused of spying provide all documents and records related to the case.
Salt was pictured alongside Eckert and his staff in a post celebrating the Southampton boss winning manager of the month in February. He has not been present in similar posts for the March and April awards, but the latter coincided with the day he is alleged to have been in Middlesbrough.
Eckert stormed out of a second press conference in four days following his side’s victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday. A press officer cut off questioning when the manager was asked if he was a cheat and said: “Thank you very much, show some respect, that’s all we ask. Well done.”
The Saints boss provided minimal responses when quizzed about the Spygate scandal. Eckert said: “It’s not easy for me to not comment.
“There’s just nothing that I can say at the moment because it is an ongoing investigation. We’re taking the matter very seriously and I will say something. I just can’t say it now.”
Middlesbrough are understood to possess evidence from at least two other Championship opponents, who suspect they were ‘spied on’. It remains unclear whether Southampton will be found guilty of the allegations against them, though there has been no denial thus far.
Sanctions facing the club could range from a fine to expulsion from the playoffs. Consequently, Kim Hellberg‘s squad will continue training ahead of the play-off final.
Boro travelled back to the north east on Wednesday after being unable to fly home from Southampton on Tuesday evening. Players will train on Thursday instead of jetting off on post-season breaks as they await the conclusion of the controversy.
Boro have submitted a dossier to the EFL that contains additional grievances. Boro’s team coach was targeted by Southampton supporters at St Mary’s. Bottles were hurled, and the club have raised concerns about the security measures they were provided prior to their playoff second leg. These concerns have been added to a list of grievances.
