Top News

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert is facing the sack after the EFL upheld their original decision to expel the Saints from the Championship play-off final. The St Mary's outfit were unsuccessful in their appeal and must now shift their focus to next season, which they'll begin with a four-point deduction. Middlesbrough will instead face Hull City at Wembley this weekend.

Southampton acknowledged wrongdoing regarding the spying on their semi-final opponents, yet argued the punishment was disproportionate. Eckert accepted responsibility for covertly observing their opponents during training sessions, a widespread practice in his native Germany, which he claims left him oblivious to it being banned in England. The Saints boss has kept his cards close to his chest when pressed on the controversy, but his conduct has tarnished the club's reputation and he now faces dismissal following his involvement in Spygate.

And talkSPORT reports that Southampton owner Dragan Solak is incensed by the situation, which has cost them a shot at the £200million Wembley showdown for a place in the Premier League.

Beyond potentially losing his job, Eckert and sporting director Johannes Spors are likely to face investigation from the FA and risk possible suspensions. Eckert had overseen a remarkable turnaround having only taken charge mid-season, but this scandal will cast a long shadow over his achievements.

Southampton's hierarchy are equally aware that sponsors could withdraw from agreements, given they may not wish to be associated with a club who have admitted to cheating, with the Saints confessing they spied on three opposing teams throughout the course of the season.

The club's troubles could worsen further, with the Guardian claiming Southampton could face a legal challenge from their players over lost earnings after the club were denied the chance of an immediate return to the Premier League.

The squad have been deliberating over their options internally following Boro's reinstatement to Saturday's Wembley showpiece against Hull. It is understood there is considerable fury within Southampton's dressing room.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Saints star Leo Scienza has spoken out and said: "Disappointment, anger, sadness It's difficult to find the right words for what we're all feeling right now.

"What has happened over the last days is heartbreaking.. for the club, for every player in this dressing room, and above all for our supporters. A moment like this should never end the way it did.

"I feel sorry for every football fan, as well as the players and supporters of Hull and Boro, who were caught up in all of this chaos too.

"We gave everything for this dream. Day after day, sacrifice after sacrifice, always believing we could bring this club back to where it belongs. For me, the dream of playing in the Premier League was something I fought for with everything I had. That's why this pain cuts so deep.

"The hardest part is knowing how much our fans deserved this moment. You stood behind us all season with incredible passion, loyalty and belief. Even in the toughest moments, you carried us forward.

"Thank you for staying with us through everything, you definitely deserved better."