Former manager criticizes club actions as beyond stupid
Former Southampton boss Harry Redknapp described the decision to remove the club from the Championship play offs as very harsh. The Saints had been scheduled to meet Hull City in the Wembley final this Saturday. An independent commission expelled them over the Spygate affair and also deducted four points for the next campaign. Middlesbrough now takes their place.
Redknapp who guided Southampton for 48 games between 2004 and 2005 admitted he did not expect such a strong sanction. He believed the club would only receive a large financial penalty. He called the idea of spying on opponents completely ridiculous and stupid beyond belief.
Spying offered no real benefit according to Redknapp
The 79 year old told BBC Radio Solent that filming training sessions brings almost no useful information. Watching an opponent train for an hour teaches nothing of value. He stressed that the club made a massive mistake and now faces serious consequences.
Redknapp added that the situation remains crazy and far from over. Southampton plan to appeal the ruling on Wednesday afternoon but have issued no official statement so far with the final only days away.
Middlesbrough welcomed the commission outcome stating it clearly reinforces standards of sporting integrity and proper conduct in football.
Fans lose Wembley dream due to club error
Redknapp noted that head coach Tonda Eckert performed well and the team showed excellent form late in the season. They looked like the strongest side and big favorites for promotion. Supporters who stayed loyal through the whole campaign now lose their chance for a special day at Wembley because of this unnecessary decision. He repeated that while the spying was foolish the overall punishment feels too severe.
