It’s the final Total Saints Podcast of the season, and unfortunately, there is still only one place to start: the fallout from Southampton’s failed Spygate appeal.

Martin is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and George Rees-Julian to look back on another extraordinary few days at Saints, following the dismissal of the club’s appeal against the EFL sanctions and the publication of the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s written reasons. The panel discuss the seriousness of the findings, the pressure placed on junior members of staff, the club’s handling of the situation, the ongoing FA investigation and the deafening silence from those in positions of leadership.

There is also a lengthy discussion about Tonda Eckert’s future, whether there is any realistic way back for him, and what Southampton now need to do to begin repairing the damage done to supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider reputation of the club.

Attention then turns to the summer ahead. With Saints now preparing for another season in the Championship, the panel look at which players are likely to stay or go, the uncertainty around Daniel Peretz, Aaron Ramsdale and the goalkeeper position, the sellable assets in midfield, and the decisions facing the club over players such as James Bree and Ross Stewart.

The team also reflect briefly on Hull City’s play-off final win over Middlesbrough, the likely needle when Saints and Boro meet again next season, and what the result said about the play-offs Saints were removed from.

There is also time for the final TSP admin of the season, including the Prediction League winners, the signed Atlanta Primus shirt giveaway, Patreon-exclusive merch updates, thanks to our sponsors Steam Town Brewery and Paul Castle Associates, and a farewell to George Rees-Julian as he makes his final TSP appearance before leaving The Echo.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.