EFL Season 2025/26 Soccer

[Black Sheep]

What a turnaround for Southampton after Eckert took charge. They will now play Hull City at Wembley for the chance to return to the Premier League.

Hull beat Millwall 2-0 on aggregate, while Southampton came back from a goal down to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time.

Hull did the double over Southampton in the league and will be hoping to rer the Premier League themselves.

 

[Tom]

while Southampton came back from a goal down to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time.

Strange goal to win the game. Part shot, part cross. Middlesboro will be disappointed to concede that.

 

[BlackEyed Pete]

In an interesting turn of events, the EFL has announced that the play-off final, which is set for Saturday, May 23, featuring Southampton and Hull City, might be rescheduled. Southampton is awaiting a decision regarding a "spying" incident involving playoff opponents, Middlesbrough. The club is expected to learn its fate by Tuesday, which could have implications for its standing and reputation in the league.

The Spygate situation has raised questions about the integrity of the competition, and the EFL is prioritising a thorough review before allowing the match to proceed. Fans and teams alike are anxiously awaiting updates, as the play-off final is a crucial event for clubs hoping to secure a spot in the Premier League.

What do you think about the EFL's decision to potentially delay the final? Should they prioritise a quick resolution, or is it more important to conduct a comprehensive investigation?

 

[Bandit]

This is completely unfair on Hull City. How are they meant to prepare properly if they don't even know when the match will be? And what about the fans who have already bought tickets and booked time off work?

Just boot out Southampton.

 

[Strawberry Man]

Southampton have been EXPELLED from the Championship Play-Offs after the club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs training

Hull will now face Middlesbrough at Wembley this weekend, with the Saints set to receive a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table.

Correct decision, but utter madness by Southampton.

 

[Black Sheep]

You'd be fuming if you were a Southampton player or supporter.

I'm not sure Middlesboro deserves to advance to the playoff final, but those are the rules, I guess.

 

[Dylan]

We are constantly told how cutting edge training, diets, etc have evolved over the years to give teams that extra advantage then something like this happens.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert admitted he authorised spying on opponents but claimed he didn't realise it breached English football rules with the practice 'common' in Europe. He now fears he could be banned from football by the FA.

I wonder if he'll be sacked now. He must be in breach of his contract, at the very least this condition:

1. "The Manager shall observe and comply with the rules and regulations for the time being in force of any organisation or body the rules and regulations of which the Club is bound to observe including those of The Football Association and League and in particular he shall at all times act in accordance with the League's Code of Conduct for Managers.

It's unclear how high this went up the chain but certainly the manager has admitted to it.

 

[Scotty G]

It felt like this was where this was heading to me and rightly so really. Hard to really establish what advantage was gained but it was a blatant attempt to cheat and should be punished accordingly.

Southampton have appealed the decision.

 

[Dylan]

I agree, not sure what advantage they gained from it, but rules are rules. I think the punishment is a deterrent, as I can't remember Leeds receiving such treatment. I appreciate that the specific rule wasn't in place when Leeds were accused, but the same punishment was still an option. Devil's advocate, but Southampton didn't gain much from pleading guilty.

It's quite disruptive and possibly unfair to Hull. I don't think the play-off final should go ahead, they should just promote Hull.

 

[Dylan]

Middlesbrough will play Hull City in Saturday's Championship play-off final after Southampton failed in an appeal to overturn their expulsion.