Southampton were kicked out of the Championship play-off final after an intern was caught spying on Middlesbrough, but he has now secured a permanent job at Saints.
Southampton are knocked out of the play-offs following the Spygate scandal (Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
Southampton offered Spygate intern Will Salt a permanent job despite being part of the cause that knocked the Saints out of the play-offs.
Salt made unwanted headlines after being instructed by Saints manager Tonda Eckert to spy on several Championship rivals, including Middlesbrough, ahead of the play-off semi-final. Although they won the tie, they were not given an opportunity to play in the hopes of qualifying for the Premier League.
Eckert dealt with major criticism, claiming he had no idea that espionage was a crime in Britain. Despite the controversy, he continued to work at the club with the support of Southampton owner Dragan Solak.
The Saints manager was reportedly impressed with Salt’s work and, despite the backlash, he was retained by the club and offered a permanent role within Southampton’s academy, the Daily Mail reported.
Southampton eventually admitted their mistake and admitted that Eckert had given spy orders against Oxford, Ipswich and Middlesbrough. Although they accepted the punishment, they felt that the sanctions they received were excessive.
Details of the analysts’ spying were revealed when he used his personal ATM card to buy a coffee right next to Middlesbrough’s training ground. Despite being Boro, it was they who reached the play-off final at Wembley, but lost to Hull City, who achieved promotion despite finishing sixth.
Southampton were aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League but were denied that chance after a sensational second half of the season.
William Salt (circled) was part of Southampton’s staff last season (Image: Southampton FC)
After the Saints were kicked out of the playoffs due to the Spygate scandal, Eckert released a lengthy apology video in which the Saints said, “I would like to sincerely apologize for everything that happened. As the head coach, I take responsibility, so I’m going to raise my hand.”
“I take responsibility for everything that happened at this football club. I take responsibility for everything that happened with my coaching staff.”
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