Former Southampton striker Shane Long makes exaggerated 'Spygate' claim

Former Southampton striker Shane Long has made an exaggerated reputation claim regarding the ‘Spygate’ scandal.

Southampton are the only 2026/27 Championship club whose future looks bleak right now. Every other team, from a promoted League One side to a relegated Premier League club knows what their goals for next season will be in the Championship.

But here are Saints, still awaiting the severity of FA’s final verdict on the ‘Spygate’ scandal. A Championship playoffs final expulsion and a 4 points deduction has already hit Southampton badly. Now, if the FA bans key Saints boardroom members and most importantly, head coach Tonda Eckert, the club might be done for the next season.

Clubs like Cardiff City and Leicester City have faced shock League One relegations in recent memory, and all it will take is one more disaster for Southampton to possibly fall into the same mess. Not giving up hope, but these are terrible days to be a Southampton fan.

Former Southampton striker Shane Long on ‘Spygate’

Earlier this month, former Southampton striker Charlie Austin expressed his opinions on ‘Spygate’. Back then, there was no evidence of Tonda Eckert authorising spying activities in Championship games against Oxford United, Ipswich Town and ultimately Middlesbrough, yet, Austin blamed Southampton from the get go.

Austin went as far as to say it was a ‘disgrace’ from Southampton. That said, his former Southampton strike partner Shane Long has kept things a bit more respectful.

Speaking to Boyle Sports, Long commented on the whole situation: “For the next 10 or 20 years, to be known as a club who cheats is disappointing. It’s a shame for the players and fans, as it was nothing they did.”

Well, it’s class from Shane Long for thinking about the Southampton fans. After all, witnessing Shea Charles long-ranger go in as a late 2-1 winner, then making playoffs final plans for Wembley only to get expelled from it next week is the worst possible feeling.

Still reading between the lines, Shane Long’s fear is exaggerated.

Leeds United example shows Shane Long’s fear is exaggerated

It’s understandable that Shane Long is concerned for Southampton’s future but his point regarding a reputation damage is over exaggerated. Just take Leeds United for an example. The ones behind the ‘Spygate’ 1.0 in English football.

By now, every Saints fan has heard enough about how Leeds United admitted spying guilt quickly and were slapped with a mere £200k fine. When that happened, Leeds reputation was tarnished and they were criticised for months. But after a while, everyone including rival fans just forgot about the incident.

Since that 2019 ‘Spygate’ scandal, Leeds United went onwards and upwards to gain two promotions back to the Premier League. Did a 100 point Championship season along the way and have recently finished 14th in the Premier League with 47 points, just 6 shy of a Europa Conference League spot.

Leeds United’s Premier League future looks bright as ever, and infact they are more likely to qualify for European football in the coming seasons than get relegated back to the Championship. Maybe, Leeds might join the likes of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in winning a Europa League or Conference League soon as well.

The bottom line is that Southampton’s ‘Spygate’ scandal will also be forgotten among the masses, provided the Saints get to the Premier League and keep improving every year.