Southampton manager Tonda Eckert responds to Middlesbrough spying allegation

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert brushed off the significance of 'Spygate' after his side were charged by the EFL with spying on Middlesbrough ahead of Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg. It is alleged that a Saints employee used high-tech equipment to record Boro's training session on Thursday at their Rockliffe Park base. Middlesbrough, who host the 12.30 kick-off on Saturday, are understood to be furious and want the EFL to throw the book at their opponents. "I believe the club has made a statement yesterday and I can't comment," Eckert told Sky Sports ahead of kick-off. He was then asked about the practice of spying on training sessions generally. "Well I believe when you come to this stage of the season it's not coaches winning the games, it's the players and it's going to be exactly the same today," he said. Asked about what effect it would have on the tie, Eckert added: "We are focused on ourselves and we have been all week. We know we face a good team today and we know they've been good all season, it will be a big challenge." JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page Boro manager Kim Hellberg was asked how it felt to have possibly been spied on. "Possibly?" he shot back with a smile. "It's not affected our build-up. We've done what we should have done before these types of games. "We've watched every Southampton game there is, trying to find different solutions to beat them - how they press, how they build up, putting every hour of the day, trying to do what you should do to get an advantage to win, in the right way." The Telegraph reports that Saints will accept the charge but claim the analyst in question was working alone and not following orders from above. The EFL's statement read: " Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission. "This follows a request from the EFL for the Club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two Clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg. The charges relate to the following Regulations: "EFL Regulation 3.4 , which requires Clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any Club from observing, or attempting to observe, another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two Clubs. "Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges. However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity. The League will make no further comment whilst proceedings are ongoing. " Southampton said in a statement: "SFC acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations. We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process. Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.