How Southampton allegedly spied on Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough train in the vast grounds of Rockliffe Hall in Harworth-on-Tees, just outside Darlington.

But this isn’t your classic training base, tucked away in the trees and away from prying eyes.

Rockliffe is a luxury hotel, spa and golf resort built by Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson. The complex is open to the public.

If you want to sneak in and watch the players train, it seems you don’t have to try too hard.

According to BBC sources, this incident happened in the early hours of Thursday.

Both clubs have been contacted for comment. So far Southampton have not made any public statement on the matter.

The alleged spy, who Middlesbrough allege is a Southampton analyst, parked at the golf club, then walked a few hundred yards down a road that led to the top of a small hill.

The training pitch and golf course are next to each other with only a hedgerow separating them.

Although there have been reports that the so-called spy was hidden in the bush, the real story is apparently not so dramatic.

Sources told the BBC that the accused were simply standing at the top of the hill, which slopes down to the training ground and overlooks the pitches, offering a clear view. Perfect for undisclosed operations.

At one point the suspect was allegedly pointing at his mobile phone during the training session while wearing headphones. Middlesbrough staff believe he could be live-streaming the session via a video call.

What happens next sounds more like a comedy sketch than a sly spy operation.

BBC sources said a member of Middlesbrough’s staff had been contacted, but the man could not identify himself. Then, he quickly deleted some content from his phone before heading to the golf club.

He jogged to the toilet, changed his clothes and quickly left the site.

The photo was taken by a Middlesbrough photographer – and allegedly matched a profile on the Southampton website. And, of course, the person was all over the CCTV.

The staff were furious and quickly reported to the English Football League (EFL).

Southampton’s squad were not due to fly to the north-east until Friday, so if the so-called spy belongs to the club, it suggests an early recovery operation.