Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has admitted he has no backup plan if Southampton are thrown out of the Championship playoff final—but right now, his focus is on the heartbreak of a 2-1 defeat, not the controversy swirling around it.
It was a night of high drama at St. Mary’s. Shea Charles’ cross-turned-shot deep into extra time sent Southampton back to Wembley for the second time in a month, completing a comeback after Ross Stewart canceled out Riley McGree’s early strike. For Boro, it was a cruel ending to a season that promised so much.
But the real talking point? The looming “Spygate 2.0” investigation. The EFL is set to hold a hearing after allegations that a Southampton analyst spied on Middlesbrough’s training ahead of last week’s first leg. Hellberg, however, isn't getting drawn into what-ifs.
“I haven’t planned anything. We had a plan if we were going to win the game, and we haven’t. I thought we were good enough to do it,” he said. “I’m not going to make any suggestions or say anything about that question. We’ll see what happens.”
If Southampton are found guilty of instructing a staff member to spy—following photos taken at Boro’s training ground—they could face serious consequences. The precedent is clear: Leeds were fined £200,000 for similar actions against Frank Lampard’s Derby County during the 2018/19 playoffs, under Rule 127. This time, the stakes are even higher, with potential punishments ranging from a fine to a point deduction—or worse.
Southampton have asked for more time to conduct an internal investigation, but the EFL may not grant it. For now, the focus remains on the pitch. Hellberg made sure to praise his team’s dominant first-half display before the questions turned to controversy.
“I am unbelievably proud of how the players played, [to] fight through two games,” the Swede said. “It was tough, of course. I think we played a very good first half.”
For Boro fans, the wait for a return to Wembley—last seen in 2015—continues. And as the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: Hellberg’s mind is on the game, not the courtroom.