It’s been a crazy few days for Southampton, who were once preparing for a match against Hull City at Wembley Stadium for a spot in the Premier League, but are now ejected from the tournament and facing punishments that could harm the club for years.

Many people were surprised by Southampton’s rapid surge up the Championship table in the second half of the season, given how poorly they fared under Will Still.

Despite being one of the clubs who got parachute payments following their relegation from the Premier League, Tonda Eckert took over the permanent post after a strong start, and many began to take note.

Indeed, the Saints have lost only one of their past 25 games in all competitions, including FA Cup victory over Arsenal and Fulham, as well as league victories away to Coventry City and Wrexham.

A critical error was made ahead of their match against Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final, and Southampton have since been caught and admitted to at least three accounts of spying on opponents, now dubbed’spygate’, resulting in their expulsion from the play-offs and a four-point deduction for next season.

What follows next for the Saints is unclear, but football will not stop for them, as FLW looks at the eight players who will depart the club this summer following this terrible news.

Ross Stewart

Ross Stewart, a Scottish forward, has had a difficult few years due to injuries, but when he does get on the field, he usually makes a great influence.

Following his return to action this season, the 29-year-old scored eight goals and assisted twice in 25 league games, and he has subsequently booked a seat on Steve Clarke’s Scottish jet to the World Cup.

His contract is set to expire at the end of next month, but Southampton has the option to extend it for another year if they like, and given Stewart’s prior declaration of intention to stay at St Mary’s, you would expect them to do so. He is, however, about to go for the for being.

James Bree

James Bree spent the first part of the season on loan at division rivals Charlton Athletic, after been overlooked by former manager Still.

Eckert, on the other hand, chose to recall the right-back as soon as the January transfer window opened, and Bree has been an almost constant presence in Southampton’s back four since then.

Out of contract at the end of next month, there has been no word yet on whether the 29-year-old plans to stay on the South Coast, especially given recent upheaval, and he may have played his final game for the club.

Oriol Romeu

Oriol Romeu came to St Mary’s this summer after spending time with FC Barcelona and Girona in his home Spain, although he has only played 68 minutes of league action since his arrival.

The 34-year-old appeared in over 250 games during his previous tenure with the Saints, but considering his lack of playing time and the fact that his contract is set to expire, his return could be disappointing.

Southampton has the option of extending his contract, although it is unclear whether they will do so at this time.

Alex McCarthy

Veteran shot-stopper Alex McCarthy has been a backup option at Southampton for the majority of the last five years, but he has made 165 appearances in all competitions.

At 36, it’s reasonable to say that the Englishman’s greatest days are behind him, and he has little chance of being the club’s number one again.

With his contract about to expire, McCarthy could look for additional first-team opportunities elsewhere before his career ends, or he could stay as a backup elsewhere, since he is expected to leave the club.

Daniel Peretz

Daniel Peretz signed on loan from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window to replace the failing and departing Gavin Bazunu, and his performances between the sticks have been simply outstanding.

Florian Plettenberg said that the Saints have an option to buy the Israeli this summer for roughly €7-8 million (£6-6.9 million), which would have very likely been exercised if promoted, but now appears uncertain.

The Saints face a difficult time ahead, and whether Peretz will sign on the dotted line permanently appears more uncertain than ever.

Cyle Larin

Cyle Larin, like Peretz, was acquired on loan in January from Spanish club Mallorca, with the Canadian joining to provide further competition up front for Stewart.

Since his arrival, the former Besiktas striker has nine goals and one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Southampton have the option to acquire the 30-year-old this summer, but whether they will do so immediately, and whether Larin will agree to join, remains to be seen.

Elias Jelert

Danish right-back Elias Jelert arrived on loan from Galatasaray in the summer, but his arrival, by his own admission, has been a huge waste of time.

With just over 300 minutes of league play this season, the 22-year-old struggled to make an impact for the Saints and will return to the Turkish city this summer.

George Long

Saints fans are unlikely to be moved by George Long’s departure from the club this summer, having signed him on loan from Norwich City to serve as a backup.

The 32-year-old only played once for the Saints during his time on the South Coast, and he is likely to forget his time at St Mary’s.