Southampton's Spygate intern offered permanent role despite controversy

Southampton's Spygate intern offered permanent role despite controversy
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Salt was caught spying on Middlesbrough ahead of the Championship play-off semifinal between the two sides in May. In the ensuing investigation, several cases of espionage by Southampton were brought forward.

The incident led to Southampton being expelled from the play-off final against Hull City, which Middlesbrough lost in injury time.

Following the controversy, Southampton owner Dragan Solak came out in support of manager Tonda Eckert, who kept his job at St. Mary's.

Salt will now also likely remain with the club, with Southampton having offered Salt a job within the club's academy, as per the Daily Mail.

Staff intern Salt told an EFL Panel that he was forced to spy on Middlesbrough after receiving instructions from those above. Salt said he felt like he did not have a chance to say no.

WhatsApp messages from December 2025 showed that Southampton kept their espionage up for an extended period of time, with Salt being told: "You legend. Manager loved it."