Spygate 2026

[SW5 SAINT]

23 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

 

Not sure I understand the logic. The FA wanted a longer punishment for Tonda. They were reigned in on that by their independent commission. Why would the commission act different if we were in the Premier League?

Because this so called “cheating’ is not even an offence in the Premier League…!

[Secret Site Agent]

I missed out on the games on here.

 

I reckon the investigation will be complete and the announcement as to Tonde's sanction will be on Wednesday 14th October

He'll get a three week touchline ban and a £32k fine

Sorry, other people on here were making stuff up on here, I thought it was a game!!!

 

[Lighthouse]

19 minutes ago, SW5 SAINT said:

Because this so called “cheating’ is not even an offence in the Premier League…!

It didn’t take place in the Premier League.

[Secret Site Agent]

18 minutes ago, SW5 SAINT said:

Because this so called “cheating’ is not even an offence in the Premier League…!

And because what Tonde and the club did wasn't spying on three other clubs training. That isn't a crime.

It was Spying on three other clubs training within a 72 hour window before we played them.

If Will Salt, (gorblesshim) had arrived a day early, we wouldn't be in this mess.

[Toadhall Saint]

Are we still doing this to death? Chaps it’s done and dusted - move on.

Edited yesterday at 10:44 by Toadhall Saint
Fucking auto correct

[The Kraken]

8 minutes ago, Secret Site Agent said:

And because what Tonde and the club did wasn't spying on three other clubs training. That isn't a crime.

It was Spying on three other clubs training within a 72 hour window before we played them.

If Will Salt, (gorblesshim) had arrived a day early, we wouldn't be in this mess.

I think it still would be. The EFL 72 hour rule was brought in specifically, but the original rule is still considered to cover good faith behaviour. True, it’s not explicit in the wording (or what a potential punishment might be), but I don’t think it’s reasonable to say that any observing/spying outside of the 72 hour window is automatically permissible.
 

Because it doesn’t breach the 72 hour rule you’d perhaps expect punishment to be less.  Either way, I don’t think many teams are going to risk it in future.

Edited yesterday at 10:50 by The Kraken

[trousers]

10 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

Are we still doing this to death? Chaps it’s done and dusted - move on.

If only people would stop asking people to stop then the thread might die off....

Edited yesterday at 10:54 by trousers

[trousers]

Curiousity question...

Is there any reason why the "expulsion was obviously the only sporting sanction available to the EFL" brigade weren't out in force on this thread saying as such BEFORE the EFL's panel announced their decision?

Unless my memory's deceiving me, hardly anyone on here was predicting an expulsion outcome in the lead up to the EFL verdict, were they...? Which is bizarre, given how "obvious" an outcome it's now being portrayed as...

Edited yesterday at 10:58 by trousers

[hypochondriac]

7 minutes ago, trousers said:

Curiousity question...

Is there any reason why the "expulsion was obviously the only sporting sanction available to the EFL" brigade weren't out in force on this thread saying as such BEFORE the EFL's panel announced their decision?

Unless my memory's deceiving me, hardly anyone on here was predicting an expulsion outcome in the lead up to the EFL verdict, were they...? Which is bizarre, given how "obvious" an outcome it's now being portrayed as...

I didn't think they would go that far but I don't think I'd properly thought through the consequences of not kicking us out and potentially having us get promoted. I can see why that would be the least desirable option for them. From their perspective it would have been a hell of a lot better if Boro had taken a few of their million chances in the first leg.

[The Kraken]

14 minutes ago, trousers said:

Unless my memory's deceiving me, hardly anyone on here was predicting an expulsion outcome in the lead up to the EFL verdict, were they...? Which is bizarre, given how "obvious" an outcome it's now being portrayed as...

I would suggest that the ambivalence on here was not indicative of opinion on other media. Yes, the Boro media machine was in full flow, but reading some other forums there was, in my experience, more of an expectation for a serious rebuke.

 

Edited yesterday at 11:12 by The Kraken

[Willo of Whiteley]

14 minutes ago, trousers said:

Curiousity question...

Is there any reason why the "expulsion was obviously the only sporting sanction available to the EFL" brigade weren't out in force on this thread saying as such BEFORE the EFL's panel announced their decision?

Unless my memory's deceiving me, hardly anyone on here was predicting an expulsion outcome in the lead up to the EFL verdict, were they...? Which is bizarre, given how "obvious" an outcome it's now being portrayed as...

Any right-minded person would see that we got battered in the first leg and deserved to win the second leg.
Why we got kicked out of the play offs after fairly winning was both stupid and rushed, and the EFL bowed to media pressure - more so evident now the reports have come out.

A wet wipe of an organisation.

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

Curiousity question...

Is there any reason why the "expulsion was obviously the only sporting sanction available to the EFL" brigade weren't out in force on this thread saying as such BEFORE the EFL's panel announced their decision?

Unless my memory's deceiving me, hardly anyone on here was predicting an expulsion outcome in the lead up to the EFL verdict, were they...? Which is bizarre, given how "obvious" an outcome it's now being portrayed as...

I remember thinking expulsion seemed a bit much (mainly because it seemed so unprecedented) and being certain Eckert would be sacked. Listening to the arguments from much more objective and qualified people and reading the rationales behind the decisions are what informed me. 

[Jimmy_D]

If Pompey had done it, I'd probably be joking that they must have been there to watch good football and not thought twice about it.

I was expecting a fine, some sort of football related ban for the bloke that did it, and maybe some sort of touchline ban for Eckert if they were feeling draconian.

Boro managing to convince the EFL panel to infer a supposed endemic culture and intent, that it turns out they didn't have evidence for, then compromise the integrity of their own competition by installing an eliminated team in the final, that wasn't on the bingo card at the time for me.

[Tom & Gerry]

The panel said it was "entirely satisfied that Eckert did not know that his actions breached EFL regulations or were considered morally wrong"

Those on here who ridiculed those of us that suggested that was the case probably haven't changed their minds but at least we are in good company. 

 

 

[Sheaf Saint]

3 hours ago, trousers said:

Curiousity question...

Is there any reason why the "expulsion was obviously the only sporting sanction available to the EFL" brigade weren't out in force on this thread saying as such BEFORE the EFL's panel announced their decision?

Unless my memory's deceiving me, hardly anyone on here was predicting an expulsion outcome in the lead up to the EFL verdict, were they...? Which is bizarre, given how "obvious" an outcome it's now being portrayed as...

Because none of us were in possession of all the facts until after the EFL ruling. Once you read through their findings and the evidence submitted, and how the club had initially lied about it and tried to laugh it off, the inevitability of the expulsion became obvious. At least to me it did.

[OneMrsWallace]

I guess I was so laser focused on our punishments that I've missed the fact several clubs in League One are all on minus points. What's that about? 

[rallyboy]

The precedent was the timing - the EFL still let a game go ahead after the crime, thus sanctioning it as a fair match.

Anyway, fuck em, and Boro, it's all yesterday's chip wrapper, City is now the go-to cause for faux-hysterical pundits trying to get clicks.

The End

[benjii]

1 hour ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Because none of us were in possession of all the facts until after the EFL ruling. Once you read through their findings and the evidence submitted, and how the club had initially lied about it and tried to laugh it off, the inevitability of the expulsion became obvious. At least to me it did.

I don't think the club intentionally "lied", I think they panicked and gave wrong information when up against a ridiculous time frame and whilst trying to prepare for a key match. 

[hypochondriac]

I'd have probably been happier with just letting hull get promoted automatically. I'm still pleased that Boro lost the final. It made the whole thing feel a lot better.

[Verbal]

5 hours ago, trousers said:

Curiousity question...

Is there any reason why the "expulsion was obviously the only sporting sanction available to the EFL" brigade weren't out in force on this thread saying as such BEFORE the EFL's panel announced their decision?

Unless my memory's deceiving me, hardly anyone on here was predicting an expulsion outcome in the lead up to the EFL verdict, were they...? Which is bizarre, given how "obvious" an outcome it's now being portrayed as...

As that well-known equation goes: Delusion + Hope/Gloom = Sainstweb/Wrong

[Willo of Whiteley]

The tide has turned now on Spy gate, a lot of pundits coming out saying it was ridiculous.

Only those that were staunchly against us from the start (Henry Winter, northern journos) are the ones persisting with this shit. 🤣

[LiberalCommunist]

Lest we forget their names. They must forever live in ridicule. Except for Troy Deeney. He's still under house arrest. 

[Saint Neil]

4 hours ago, OneMrsWallace said:

I guess I was so laser focused on our punishments that I've missed the fact several clubs in League One are all on minus points. What's that about? 

Sure you aren't looking at the goal difference?

[Tamesaint]

I enjoyed the football we played last season after Still was sacked and Tonda took over. The only problem was if we went up we would have had to play in the PL with all the bollocks that goes with that league.

Somehow we managed to find a way to get another season in the Championship. I have already been richly entertained by some of the football that we have played. Long may it continue. Much better than struggling to stay afloat in the PL.

 

[Turkish]

9 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Any right-minded person would see that we got battered in the first leg and deserved to win the second leg.
Why we got kicked out of the play offs after fairly winning was both stupid and rushed, and the EFL bowed to media pressure - more so evident now the reports have come out.

A wet wipe of an organisation.

Got battered in the first half, from then on we were the better team for the other 2/3s of the tie, arguably by a distance. 

[Toadhall Saint]

7 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Got battered in the first half, from then on we were the better team for the other 2/3s of the tie, arguably by a distance. 

Yep we were “lucky” in the first half of the first game - from there on in they were “lucky” that they didn’t concede more. From memory they burnt themselves out on indignation (and accusations of espionage).

Edited yesterday at 20:42 by Toadhall Saint

[Lighthouse]

3 hours ago, Tamesaint said:

I enjoyed the football we played last season after Still was sacked and Tonda took over. The only problem was if we went up we would have had to play in the PL with all the bollocks that goes with that league.

Somehow we managed to find a way to get another season in the Championship. I have already been richly entertained by some of the football that we have played. Long may it continue. Much better than struggling to stay afloat in the PL.

I’d wait until you see next years team, if we don’t get promoted, before wishing for that.

[sadoldgit]

11 hours ago, Tamesaint said:

I enjoyed the football we played last season after Still was sacked and Tonda took over. The only problem was if we went up we would have had to play in the PL with all the bollocks that goes with that league.

Somehow we managed to find a way to get another season in the Championship. I have already been richly entertained by some of the football that we have played. Long may it continue. Much better than struggling to stay afloat in the PL.

 

It’s conflicting isn’t it? As much as I’d love to see us get promoted again, preferably at Wembley, the prize is tainted by what the EPL has become. The football is decent, the league is much more competitive and, of course, no VAR.

As gutted as I was to see us thrown out of the play off final, I am enjoying still being competitive rather than being the whipping boys for the big clubs. 

[LiberalCommunist]

Got nothing but contempt for the EPL & VAR. But we need to go up this season to pay the bills. And repay the faith DS has shown. 

[trousers]

12 hours ago, Tamesaint said:

I enjoyed the football we played last season after Still was sacked and Tonda took over. The only problem was if we went up we would have had to play in the PL with all the bollocks that goes with that league.

Somehow we managed to find a way to get another season in the Championship. I have already been richly entertained by some of the football that we have played. Long may it continue. Much better than struggling to stay afloat in the PL.

 

Yep, dodged a bullet there. Here's hoping we can find another way of avoiding promotion this season too 👍🏻

[die Mannyschaft]

29 minutes ago, trousers said:

Yep, dodged a bullet there. Here's hoping we can find another way of avoiding promotion this season too 👍🏻

Prem should do a play off for relegation and a cup for the team who survives,  at least then avoiding relegation can be an achievement 😀 

[Badger]

1 hour ago, sadoldgit said:

It’s conflicting isn’t it? As much as I’d love to see us get promoted again, preferably at Wembley, the prize is tainted by what the EPL has become. The football is decent, the league is much more competitive and, of course, no VAR.

As gutted as I was to see us thrown out of the play off final, I am enjoying still being competitive rather than being the whipping boys for the big clubs. 

Agree.

Most would view promotion as a necessity and we all want Saints to compete at the higher level, the EPL leaves me cold to a large degree due to what it has become. And have to question if we can “compete”? Perhaps with more stable management (incl Spors) we will, or at least make a better go at it than the last time. 

A main attraction for going up (for me anyway) is being able to retain your better players. Would Charles and THB still be with us now for example ? 

[Kenilworthy1959]

48 minutes ago, Badger said:

Agree.

Most would view promotion as a necessity and we all want Saints to compete at the higher level, the EPL leaves me cold to a large degree due to what it has become. And have to question if we can “compete”? Perhaps with more stable management (incl Spors) we will, or at least make a better go at it than the last time. 

A main attraction for going up (for me anyway) is being able to retain your better players. Would Charles and THB still be with us now for example ? 

While the idea of perpetually being a shark in the EFL pool of little fish seems enticing it is not sustainable. I can't think of  a single club that is run successfully on the lines of being competitive, but not too competitive in the Championship. It is a division you eventually leave in one direction or the other. Within two seasons of not going up we would be stripped of any player of quality with only home defeats to Preston to look forward to. And while I loathe the EPL, Hull and Ipswich are showing that it is possible to give it a decent go. The other factor is that paradoxically, it is cheaper to be an away fan thanks to the price-cap that scandalously we don't have in the Championship.

[Tamesaint]

I don't disagree with any of the comments that point out that staying in the Championship playing like we do  is not sustainable in the long term. Isn't this a damning indictment of the sport that we follow? Whilst there has always been a football hierarchy, has it ever been this large?

If Man City were to be hammered by the football authorities would this  change? Or would the Big 6 just become the Big 5 and still dominate the League?  Is there anything that a football regulator could do??

 

[Paul Chuckle]

1 hour ago, Tamesaint said:

I don't disagree with any of the comments that point out that staying in the Championship playing like we do  is not sustainable in the long term. Isn't this a damning indictment of the sport that we follow? Whilst there has always been a football hierarchy, has it ever been this large?

If Man City were to be hammered by the football authorities would this  change? Or would the Big 6 just become the Big 5 and still dominate the League?  Is there anything that a football regulator could do??

 

Not to be all MLG on you, but I certainly haven't seen Spurs dominating the league as a Big 6 club recently. 

MLG mode deactivated 

[Tamesaint]

1 hour ago, Paul Chuckle said:

Not to be all MLG on you, but I certainly haven't seen Spurs dominating the league as a Big 6 club recently. 

MLG mode deactivated 

Lol. I nearly wrote "the big 4 plus Spurs." 😀