The Spygate scandal may be in the past, but as expected, speculation about it has persisted far into the summer ahead of the new Championship season.

Domestic affairs have taken a backseat to the World Cup, but with Middlesbrough and Southampton returning for pre-season training, the focus is gradually drifting back to England.

The Championship duo came close to promotion last season, and they are likely to challenge again next season, despite the division’s number of good clubs.

Kim Hellberg has spoken out on the Spygate controversy again and appears to have buried the hatchet with Tonda Eckert, as Borough and Saints restart their rivalry.

Kim Hellberg makes a disclosure about Tonda Eckert two months after the Spygate affair.

Middlesbrough and Southampton will face off for the first time at St Mary’s Stadium in late November, following their controversial play-off match.

It’s unclear whether Eckert will be in the dugout for that game because the German is now under investigation by the FA, and the length of his punishment is uncertain.

The Saints’ manager might face a touchline ban or a ban from football entirely, and depending on how long the prospective ban is, his position as manager could be jeopardised, despite Dragan Solak’s support.

Boro’s head coach Hellberg has been speaking out ahead of the new season, and he was naturally questioned about Spygate and Eckert.

“I don’t give it one thought now,” he told The Sun. “It’s finished. They’re waiting for the board’s verdict, and now all I can think about is trying to do everything here and wishing them the best.

“I have nothing against anyone there, and I wish the coach the best. Everyone is capable of making mistakes, and that is exactly what happens.

“I have a lot of problems and challenges here to work with, so that’s what I’m focused on.”

Kim Hellberg’s stance is spot-on as Middlesbrough march on.

Middlesbrough’s head coach was naturally emotional following his team’s elimination from the Championship play-offs, but his emotional maturity should help the club in the coming season.

Holding a grudge against Eckert and Southampton would be silly, as all attention should be on the next season and how Borough can mount a promotion push.

Of course, when the two teams meet, it will be interesting to see if passions boil over onto the field, since there will undoubtedly be a tight environment in the fans, but the first match at St Mary’s will be less unfriendly for the home team.

Teessiders have connected to Hellberg’s personality, and it’s simple to understand why. Despite only being there for a short time, he has formed a particular link with the club, and it’s critical that the club have someone who symbolises the spirit of the city.

How Middlesbrough copes without Hayden Hackney will be critical to their success, but the club has time to replace him and should be prepared to grow in his absence.

The most significant thing is that the Swede has had a complete pre-season with his players, which might be the deciding factor if Borough can get off to another solid start.