What Flynn Downes said about Tonda Eckert at Southampton sparks reaction | OneFootball

Southampton star Flynn Downes' previous comments about Tonda Eckert have attracted attention amid the Championship spying scandal

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert and the rest of the South Coast club's staff are under heavy scrutiny following the news that they have been kicked out of the Championship play-offs.

The Saints have been replaced by Middlesbrough in the play-off final, having been found guilty by the disciplinary commission of spying on Boro's training ahead of their semi-final first leg.

Eckert's men were also found to have spied on Ipswich Town and Oxford United training sessions during the regular season, while their punishment has also seen them deducted four points ahead of next term.

However, Southampton have appealed against the disciplinary commission's decision, and could still be reinstated into Saturday's play-off final.

Hull City got the better of Millwall in the other semi-final and will face either the Saints or Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium, depending on the outcome of the appeal.

Flynn Downes' previous comments about Tonda Eckert shone under spotlight amid Southampton 'Spygate' scandal

Southampton enjoyed a 19-game unbeaten run in the Championship before their play-off semi-final clash with Middlesbrough, the on-field result of which has now become irrelevant, pending appeal.

The Saints players' hard work has ultimately been in vain if they aren't allowed to play at Wembley, but many second-tier observers think that Eckert's side have merely faced the consequences of breaking the rules.

Midfielder Flynn Downes has been a key figure for the St Mary's Stadium outfit this term, making 36 Championship appearances and scoring three goals in the process.

The 27-year-old started in both of Southampton's play-off semi-final clashes with Middlesbrough, but his side aren't currently set to visit Wembley Stadium despite their on-field triumph.

Meanwhile, as shared by The i Paper's Daniel Storey via X on Wednesday, discussing Eckert's management back in December, Downes said: "His attention to detail is unreal.

"Literally every little thing, he just gives you. It makes it so easy. You go out on a Saturday, and you know what you're doing, you know what the other team are doing."

Having seen the post, several football fans have made references to Southampton's spying incidents, with one X user commenting: "Brilliant. The league’s lawyers will be using that."

Another fan said: "Makes sense knowing what Southampton were up to."

One viewer simply added: "An excellent find", while two others said: "Grass" and "That explains it all then", respectively.

Southampton set to face further ramifications if they don't win appeal

Unless the Saints are reinstated into the Championship play-off final, the aftermath of the spying scandal and their punishments are set to have further ramifications.

Several Southampton players, who were vying for an immediate Premier League return, will likely feel let down by the South Coast club's actions as their decision has cost them a place at Wembley Stadium, unless their appeal is successful.

According to the Daily Mail, the Saints squad have missed out on potential bonuses of £250,000 per player for promotion back to the top flight.

The report adds that several players are now considering their legal options, now that their club's actions have cost them an opportunity to return to the Premier League.

If Southampton lose their appeal, the saga looks set to continue as far as Eckert's men are concerned.