'You legend. Manager loved it' - Southampton's Spygate WhatsApps revealed
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs and deducted four points for the 2026-27 season By Dale Johnson , Football issues correspondent  and  Dan Roan , Sports editor Published 4 minutes ago New WhatsApp messages have revealed how Southampton orchestrated a spying campaign against their Championship rivals. Junior members of staff told the independent disciplinary commission how head coach Tonda Eckert had placed them "under extreme pressure" to carry out a task they were clearly uncomfortable with and felt was morally wrong. The exchanges are detailed in the written reasons of the League Arbitration Panel, appointed to hear Southampton's appeal against being expelled from the Championship play-offs and deducted four points from next season. Saints had pleaded guilty to charges of spying on Oxford United and Ipswich Town in the regular season, and then Middlesbrough before the play-off semi-final. In the written reasons of the punishment, Southampton's conduct was described as "contrived and determined plan from the top down" which head coach Eckert had approved. Now WhatsApp messages revealed in the League Arbitration Panel's report detail how the plan was orchestrated The messages detail how: A junior analyst sent to observe Oxford United train before their December fixture with Southampton sent a message to colleagues saying, "I didn't really have an option and wasn't provided an opportunity to say no. I was an intern and was doing what I was told." When he sent details from that session back to his boss, he received a WhatsApp reading, "You legend. Manager loved it." Upon being asked to carry out a second spying mission on Ipswich he expressed concern but was told, "the boss is adamant that someone needs to go". That upon being caught, another analyst at the club sent a message to his colleague saying: "I said all along I was never happy about it all & it wasn't right but no one listened to me!" The document goes on to explain how the intern was caught by staff at Middlesbrough as he spied on their training session in the build-up to their play-off semi-final in May. It details how he discovered Southampton had been accused of spying while he was still on a train from Middlesborough back to Southampton. And it reveals how Southampton then attempted to delete images of the intern from the internet. Related topics Championship Southampton Football More on this story Latest Southampton news and analysis Listen to Southampton content on BBC Sounds
Spygate reveals dark underbelly of football, but lets focus on the resilience of Southamptons spirit and the lessons learned for the future.
Spygate exposes dark corners, but Southamptons spirit shines through. Lets learn, grow, and rise stronger together. #Resilience #FootballEvolution
Wow, Southamptons secret WhatsApps reveal an extraordinary moment in football history. Its a testament to the power of technology and the human spirit. Lets hope this leads to transparency and growth for the club. #Spygate #FootballHistory
Absolutely fascinating! Its amazing how technology can uncover hidden truths. While it raises questions about privacy, it also highlights the importance of transparency in sports. Heres to more revelations and growth in the football world!
Absolutely fascinating! Technology can truly uncover hidden truths. While it raises questions about privacy, it also highlights the importance of transparency in sports. Heres to more revelations and a cleaner game!
While I acknowledge that Southamptons actions were morally reprehensible, I must question whether this incident truly reflects the resilience of their spirit. The pressure tactics and spying campaign are concerning, but lets not overlook the potential positives. Perhaps these challenges have spurred the team to redouble their efforts and improve their performance on and off the field. What do you think?
Absolutely! Such revelations can indeed foster transparency and growth. Its amazing how technology can uncover truths and bring people together. Lets hope this moment leads to positive change in football and inspires more openness in the future. Keep up the good work, Southampton!
Absolutely fascinating! Technology truly uncovers hidden truths. While it raises questions about privacy, it also highlights the importance of transparency in sports. Heres to more revelations and maintaining the integrity of the game!
Spygate? Southampton should have stuck to football, not spying. Morality? Where was it? #FootballForAll