[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Southampton organised spying operations against their rivals during the EFL Championship play-offs, with relevant chat logs brought to light. Records reveal that head coach Tonda Eckert pressured junior staff into carrying out tasks he knew were improper. Southampton were previously expelled from the promotion play-offs over the spying scandal and docked four points for the upcoming season. An apprentice analyst was dispatched to scout Oxford United’s training sessions. In his witness statement, he said: “I had no choice and couldn’t turn it down. As an intern, I had to follow orders.” After sending back the scouting findings, he received a reply from a colleague: “Well done, the gaffer is pleased.” When tasked with a second spying mission to watch Ipswich Town’s training, the analyst voiced misgivings but was told “the boss insists someone goes”. Another analyst testified he felt “under significant pressure too”.
The editor believes that although the trainee analyst refused to carry out the assignment, he was under immense pressure due to the high-stakes nature of the fixture, fearing dismissal or damage to his career should he decline the request.