New WhatsApp revelations emerge following Southampton spygate scandal | OneFootball

Messages have been shared that outline Tonda Eckert's demands for junior analysts to spy on Championship opponents.

Southampton are continuing to deal with the fallout from ‘Spygate’, which ultimately cost them a shot at reaching the Premier League.

The club admitted to sending figures to watch Oxford, Ipswich and Middlesbrough train ahead of their games, which came about after Boro spotted someone checking their session ahead of the play-off semi-final.

So, whilst Tonda Eckert’s men overcame Middlesbrough over two legs, they were expelled from the play-offs, which ended their promotion dream.

As you would expect, this is continuing to dominate the headlines, with Southampton issuing a club statement on Monday that vowed to ‘review its internal processes’, as Eckert’s future remains in doubt.

Messages revealed show Tonda Eckert's role in 'Spygate'

Southampton’s punishment came about after an independent disciplinary commission looked into the allegations, and further details have now been shared on the evidence they received.

Most notably, messages explained how Saints sent a junior analyst to watch Oxford ahead of their Boxing Day clash, which came days after the U’s had sacked Gary Rowett, with Craig Short in charge.

The BBC confirmed how the analyst felt he ‘didn't really have an option and wasn't provided an opportunity to say no’.

Yet, when he had sent the information back to the club, he was praised by his boss, who referenced Eckert’s reaction: ‘You legend. Manager loved it’.

There were more damning revelations against Eckert, as the junior analyst was told that the German is ‘adamant that someone needs to go’, when concern was expressed over spying on Ipswich.

Eckert hasn’t tried to deny that he was involved with the spying, although he stated that he wasn’t aware he was breaching the EFL rules, but that didn’t prevent the serious punishment.

Southampton facing major summer decisions after costly spying decision

This has been a major talking point in the world of football ever since the news broke, and the level of punishment that Saints were handed has divided opinion.

But, these previously unseen messages are not going to do the club any favours, as it shows that Eckert was pushing for this to happen.

Even though it’s not against the rules in other countries, Eckert should’ve been aware that it’s not allowed in the EFL. And, if he wasn’t, someone at the club who was aware that it could cause major problems should’ve stepped in to stop it happening.

Now, Saints have to plan for next season, and the latest statement from the club suggests that discussions are still ongoing in the background as to which way they’re going to go.

Then, once a decision is finalised on Eckert, work will need to go into what is likely to be a very busy summer window. There are several players who are attracting Premier League interest, and another year outside the top flight was always going to have financial implications for the club.

So, it will be interesting to see what happens at St. Mary’s over the coming weeks and months, and how the Southampton XI looks when they return to action for the 2026/27 Championship campaign, which they will begin on -4 points as well.