Bombshell report into spygate scandal reveals 'disguise' used by Southampton

A huge update on the 'spygate' scandal that saw Southampton expelled from the Championship play-off final has revealed the shocking disguise used to spy on rival clubs.

In one of the most shocking stories in English football, Southampton saw their place in the play-off final revoked just days before the match kicked off due to the controversial spying incident.

After securing their their place in the final after beating Middlesbrough in the championship play-off semi-finals, it was revealed that a member of Southampton's staff had spied on their rival during training sessions ahead of the first leg.

It was later revealed that Southampton had been charged not only with filming Middlesbrough's session, but also with watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

Following an independent hearing, the EFL confirmed that Southampton had been found guilty of all charges and, leading to Saints being kicked out of the final and handed a four point deduction for next season.

And now, as details of the spying incidents begin to emerge, it has been revealed that it was Southampton manager Tonda Eckert himself who had sent people to spy on fellow Championship sides Oxford and Ipswich.

As reported by The Athletic, in the case of Ipswich, the spy sent to watch the training sessions was told to disguise himself in the kit worn by National League side Eastleigh, whose training ground in Hampshire hosted Southampton’s opponents.

Unsurprisingly, Southampton have appealed the decision, with their legal representation standing before the appeal board on May 20 to plead their case before learning the final decision regarding the case.

However, The Athletic's report claims that WhatsApp messages sent by Eckert to his analysts regarding the spying are particularly damaging to Southampton's case.

The German manager has argued that he was unaware of the rules in England regarding spying, claiming it is widespread in European football, and therefore felt he wasn't in the wrong.

But it is now believed that his role as Southampton manager is seriously under threat, with a potential fine from the Football Association (FA) also possible.

Rescheduled Championship play-off final kick-off time confirmed

Following a meeting, the new Sky Bet Championship play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough will now kick-off at 15:30, an hour earlier than the Hull v Southampton match was set to take place.

Should the outcome of the ongoing appeal process result in Southampton being reinstated, the kick-off time will remain at 16:30.