Spygate 2.0: Boro catch Southampton's spy in the bushes ahead of playoffs

Middlesbrough have reportedly filed an official complaint to the EFL, alleging a Southampton analyst spied on their training ahead of their playoff tie.

According to the Daily Mail, which broke the story, the alleged Southampton analyst was seen in the bushes near Middlesbrough's training ground, spying on the opposition's training. The two sides are about to face off in a two-legged Championship promotion semi-final. The first match is just around the corner, on Saturday afternoon at Middlesbrough's Riverside (2.30 pm).

The details of this spy affair are not yet fully revealed, but it seems like a new Spygate drama has unfolded. The maiden one happened back in 2019, when then-Leeds United coach, charismatic Marcelo Bielsa, sent one of his assistants to watch Derby County's training session before their Championship clash. Bielsa famously accepted responsibility and even held a detailed press conference to explain his scouting methods. However, after that moment, a new rule was introduced prohibiting teams from viewing opposition training within 72 hours of a match unless invited to do so.

What makes this newest Spygate version instantly more meme-worthy is the imagery. Football has seen analysts watching from parked vans, drones, binoculars, hotel rooftops… but "caught hiding in bushes near the training ground" sounds almost too perfect for modern football chaos.

Especially in the Championship, where promotion is worth well over £100 million, paranoia levels can go through the roof.

Both teams finished their season with 80 points, but Southampton holds fourth place due to goal difference.

EFL CHAMPIONSHIP - PLAYOFFS

Semifinal, First leg

Friday

22.00: (3.00) Hull (3.30) Millwall (2.40)

Saturday

14.30: (2.35) Middlesbrough (3.30) Southampton (3.10)

***odds are subject to change***