Middlesbrough and Southampton’s rivalry is a fresh one, sparked by the Spygate controversy in May, just before the first leg of their play-off semi-final.

When the regular season finished on May 2nd, both teams would have just wanted to beat each other in order to advance to the Championship play-off final.

However, just days before their play-off match at the Riverside, Middlesbrough staff discovered a Southampton staff member spying on their training session. It sparked lots of discussion over the two games, which Southampton won 2-1 after extra time.

After admitting to spying on Middlesbrough, as well as other counts against Oxford United and Ipswich Town, the Saints were kicked out of the play-off final, with the defeated Borough team reinstated to face Hull City at Wembley Stadium, a game they would lose 1-0.

Now, all eyes will be on their meetings this season, which might become even more interesting if it is revealed who Tonda Eckert’s replacement might be if the German manager is banned.

If Tonda Eckert is suspended, Rob Edwards might take over as interim Southampton manager.

While the EFL’s case concluded with Southampton’s ejection from the play-off final, the FA charged Tonda Eckert with misconduct in July for his involvement in the Spygate affair.

With extra time to do a comprehensive enquiry, the Saints are eagerly awaiting their judgement. A hearing was scheduled for last Thursday, but the decision has yet to be determined.

However, there is precedent for a long-term ban. In 2024, FIFA banned Bev Priestman, the head coach of Canada’s women’s national team, for a year after she was caught using a drone to spy on opposition training sessions.

And if the FA follows that precedent, Eckert may not be allowed to coach Southampton in the foreseeable future. According to the Telegraph, Rob Edwards is being considered as an interim option while St Mary’s officials look into other possibilities.

Middlesbrough’s brief tenure with Rob Edwards as head coach

If a punishment is imposed and Rob Edwards ends up in the Southampton dugout, either temporarily or permanently, Middlesbrough fans will not only be eager for retribution from the Spygate affair, but also to get one over on Edwards.

Middlesbrough vs Southampton matches this season

Matchday

Venue

Date: 18 Location: St. Mary’s Stadium

Friday, November 27th, 37

The Riverside

Saturday, 13 March.

Borough was considering a change of direction last summer. The Michael Carrick project had run its course, and many people believed that new ideas were required.

However, despite finishing 10th after finishing eighth the previous season, there weren’t much expectations for Middlesbrough. Their club’s stock was little weaker than it had been in prior years, and their management hire reflected this.

Indeed, Rob Edwards came in, having been out of job since being fired by Luton Town. He supervised their miraculous elevation to the Premier League and battle to stay there, but he was also largely responsible for the Hatters’ eventual double relegation to League One.

He arrived with few expectations for a club with no promotion aspirations, but from the first whistle, he restored their reputation as one of the division’s best teams.

They won their first four games and were unbeaten through eight, establishing very high defensive figures, and after 15 games, they were sitting inside the top two, having lost only twice in league play up to that time.

Middlesbrough fans still have resentment towards Rob Edwards for leaving them for Wolves last season.

In many eyes, Middlesbrough provided Rob Edwards with the opportunity to rekindle his career in the Riverside dugout. After his departure from Luton, few top-half Championship clubs would have offered him a position, but Borough did.

As a result, Middlesbrough fans were disappointed to see him leave only three months into his post for Wolves, having earlier stressing that the club needed to keep together and be a family to thrive.

To many on the Riverside terraces, Edwards had jumped at the first opportunity, and to a Wolves team that was already headed for relegation back to the Championship after winning none of their first ten games of the season.

While Edwards had a long history of playing for the Old Gold and grew up in Telford, there were other reasons for his decision, but many Middlesbrough fans disagreed.

They may have been better off as a result, considering the club’s potential under his successor, Kim Hellberg, but those fans have yet to forgive him.

Rob Edwards heading Southampton into the battle with Middlesbrough would fuel the tension of this simmering rivalry.

From Middlesbrough’s perspective, one of the most disappointing aspects of Wolves’ quick termination of Edwards in the off-season was their inability to face his team this year in an attempt to highlight what he’d been missing.

If the 43-year-old makes his way back into a Championship dugout during the season, that matchup will have an extra edge. If that’s the case versus Southampton, things might get out of hand quickly.

From Middlesbrough’s perspective, one of the most disappointing aspects of Wolves’ quick termination of Edwards in the off-season was their inability to face his team this year in an attempt to highlight what he’d been missing.

If the 43-year-old makes his way back into a Championship dugout during the season, that matchup will have an extra edge. If that’s the case versus Southampton, things might get out of hand quickly.