How Southampton allegedly spied on Middlesbrough

Whenever we hear that one football club has been spying on another, it conjures images of classic, covert espionage. Shadowy figures creeping through bushes, climbing trees and taking photographs with a telephoto lens. But, as Middlesbrough have found out, sometimes it is not that difficult.

The English Football League (EFL) has charged Southampton with spying on their Championship play-off opponents 48 hours before their semi-final first-leg match at Riverside Stadium on Saturday ( 12:30 BST ). It brings back memories of 2019, when Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa said he had sent a member of his staff not to just spy on Derby County, but every team they played that season. What supposedly happened at Boro's training ground?

And what punishment might Southampton expect? The alleged spy walked from the golf club to an area overlooking Middlesbrough's training pitches before he was spotted Middlesbrough train on the sprawling grounds of Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth-on-Tees, just outside Darlington. But this is not your classic training base, hidden away among trees and walled off from the prying eyes.

Rockliffe Hall is also a luxury hotel, spa and golf resort built by Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson. The complex is open to the public. If you want to sneak in and watch the players training, it would appear you do not have to try too hard.