Southampton Spygate takes another twist as new club faces FA investigation | OneFootball

There has been another twist in the Spygate saga, and it involves the National League club.

Although the Spygate saga may feel like a thing of the past, the fallout from the drama is continuing with even more developments.

Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs despite knocking out Middlesbrough in the semi-finals after they admitted three counts of spying on Boro, Ipswich Town and Oxford United.

Yesterday, WhatsApp messages exchanged between the analyst at the centre of the storm and a member of staff were revealed, as well as Eckert's positive reaction to his mission.

Now, there has been another bombshell relating to the spying incident on the Tractor Boys with a National League club set for action after playing their part.

Eastleigh supplied Southampton with footage of Ipswich Town training

When the Saints were investigated over claims they spied on Middlesbrough's training session, there was always potential further truth would unravel.

Indeed, that is exactly what happened as it was revealed that the South Coasters had also spied on Ipswich and Oxford, who experienced contrasting fates in the second tier.

Ironically, Southampton were only able to take one point from the matches that followed their spying, meaning that neither club's standing was affected by their actions.

Now, more details have been revealed regarding the spying that took place at Ipswich's training session ahead of their league meeting in April.

National League side Eastleigh could now face an FA action after a report revealed they supplied Southampton with footage of Kieran McKenna's side training at their facilities on 28 April, according to the Daily Mail.

Saints analyst William Salt refused to be sent on the spying mission, but another analyst went after he was handed an Eastleigh kit and a 'legend' of what his back-story was if challenged.

The publication also reports that sources expect the Spitfires to be investigated by the FA.

What next for Southampton?

Despite Eckert playing a significant part in Spygate and therefore being partly responsible for Southampton's expulsion from the play-offs, it seems he will keep his job.

Saints owner, Dragan Solak, has stated that he has no intention of sacking the German and will seemingly give him the chance to challenge for promotion again next term.

“I think he deserves a second chance and I would give it to him,” Solak told BBC Sport.

“My full support would be behind him actually, because I think he’s a super-talented manager.”

Of course, there is the possibility that Eckert could receive a ban and, if that were to happen, then it would be interesting to see what Solak does about that situation.

Then there are the players, with a host of Southampton talent linked with moves away from St Mary's, and Premier League transfers on the agenda.

Leeds United are interested in Shea Charles and Leo Scienza, according to Football Insider, as they strive to improve their squad ahead of another top-flight campaign and Saints will likely have decisions to make on their top talent.

Whatever happens this summer, the South Coasters must focus on their football and ensure they do not make the same mistakes that could have cost them promotion.