'Heartbroken' Taylor Harwood-Bellis sends message to Southampton fans after Spygate scandal | OneFootball

Saints' captain has finally spoken out on the Spygate situation which has rocked the EFL.

In the wake of Southampton's expulsion from the Championship play-offs, fans, pundits, and players have been speaking openly about the Spygate saga.

Some have said that the Saints' punishment was too harsh, while there is a consensus among the wider football community that it was just, given that it sets a precedent for any future behaviour.

Southampton ace Leo Scienza has already shared an emotional message, expressing sympathy not just for his own club's supporters but also for those of a Middlesbrough and Hull City persuasion.

Now, Saints captain and defensive lynchpin Taylor Harwood-Bellis has delivered his own message to supporters, saying now is the right time to tell fans how he feels.

Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis speaks out on Spygate

When Harwood-Bellis aimed his imaginary binoculars at Middlesbrough following the winner in the second leg of their play-off semi-final at St Mary's, he clearly could not have foreseen what was about to unfold.

Southampton had defeated Boro after extra time and were off to Wembley Stadium just two years after their last play-off triumph - or so they thought.

The south coast outfit were then kicked out of the competition after admitting to three separate counts of spying, having observed Boro, Ipswich Town and Oxford United's training sessions prior to matches.

Saints' players are understandably heartbroken, and Harwood-Bellis has encapsulated their feelings in an emotional Instagram post to supporters.

"It’s been nothing but an honour to walk this team out and represent every fan watching in the stands, so it feels right that I speak to you guys directly about what has unfolded this week," the one-cap England centre-back wrote.

"As players, we are absolutely gutted, disappointed, and heartbroken that it’s come to this.

"We worked so hard as a group to provide the football that you fans deserve. For those of us involved in the relegation, it only fuelled our comeback. We knew what it felt like to play in the Premier League, and we were driven by the belief that we could bring that back to you all.

"I’d also like to put on record that, had I known the severity of the situation, I would never have done what I did on the pitch. In the moment, it was meant as a bit of fun in a situation that we as players were not informed about.

"As fans, you’ve been unbelievable. Our unbeaten run was driven by your passionate support. We didn’t start the season strongly, yet you still stood by us and believed in every single one of us.

"We can be proud that we battled through a tough Championship season together, and I’ll always be grateful for the support you gave us every step of the way. Thank you. Enjoy your summer, Saints."

What is next for Taylor Harwood-Bellis after Southampton's play-off expulsion?

Like several Southampton players, Harwood-Bellis's future is uncertain now that the club's Championship status has been cemented for next season.

The centre-back is among a cohort of talented players who could be in demand this summer, including Scienza, Shea Charles and Finn Azaz, who may all warrant a Premier League move.

Harwood-Bellis joined Southampton on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer for £20 million, having spent the previous season on loan at St Mary's.

The 24-year-old has always been tipped to play at the top, and although Southampton's relegation was a tough one, it did not tarnish his reputation, and he has reminded everyone of his ability after a stellar season in the second tier.

The Saints captain was the highest scoring centre-back in the Championship, scoring seven goals, while he ranked in the top four per cent of players in his position for successful passes, accurate long balls and chances created, according to FotMob.

Of course, while Harwood-Bellis' attacking attributes have been impressive, he is a leader among men in the hub of Saints' defence, and his ability in a duel, composure and reading of the game set him apart from the rest of the league.

Given he has two years remaining on his contract, it promises to be an intriguing summer regarding his future, as if the South Coasters were to sell him, then now would be the ideal time to earn as much money as they can from his potential departure.

Alternatively, the club could make a real statement by offering him a new deal, although surely nothing on that front will happen until Spygate has died down at least a little bit.