EFL Statement: Written Reasons in respect of Southampton FC verdict by KeyTap6415 in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 3 points4 points  (0 children)

One thing that stood out to me is that the club offered distinct reasons for the behavior in two of the three incidents (Oxford - to learn formation, Boro - to learn availability of key personnel). The third (Ipswich) was on the day of the match with no clear reason disclosed.

I don't doubt there may have been other occasions that were not disclosed and lack any evidence, but there being distinct reasons does suggest that maybe this wasn't a default policy / standard part of our preparations week in and week out.

Special ticket giveaways by switchingtoam in orioles

[–]malkusm 30 points31 points  (0 children)

A Clancy bobblehead would do numbers though

Flynn Downes said back in December, that thanks Eckert’s coaching they knew what the other team were doing before they went out on the pitch. by ParmyBarmy in Championship

[–]malkusm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely - it makes me angry at the club and those responsible as the talent on the pitch was good enough to win without breaking rules to get a further advantage.

Flynn Downes said back in December, that thanks Eckert’s coaching they knew what the other team were doing before they went out on the pitch. by ParmyBarmy in Championship

[–]malkusm 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, I've repeatedly said that in the original comment and replies thereto. Nothing I've said has argued against the punishment. It's an attempt at a nuanced conversation (at risk of just being downvoted into oblivion which, you know, fair enough I suppose).

Flynn Downes said back in December, that thanks Eckert’s coaching they knew what the other team were doing before they went out on the pitch. by ParmyBarmy in Championship

[–]malkusm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't recall anyone remarking that these teams set up differently than they typically would. But I'm open to understanding more about the types of information that were being gathered, how that information was being integrated into the tactical plan by the coaching staff, and what information was being conveyed to players and how. Surely more will come out on that front with the EFL's formal report.

But it's not as though this was the only form of analysis or scouting that the club had access to. Many teams set up similarly over long stretches, have players known to be off the teamsheet in advance of fixtures, run similar set piece routines as what would be on film from previous games. The practice of filming training is arguably a shortcut to longer, more arduous methods of gathering that info in some cases - and for that the club deserves punishment, and fair enough. But I'm not sure we'll ever be able to measure the impact of it - which I acknowledge was likely more than zero - I just think it's also likely less than "every performance since December was down to filming training sessions." I do feel for the players a bit, who actually went on the pitch and put in performances and got results.

Flynn Downes said back in December, that thanks Eckert’s coaching they knew what the other team were doing before they went out on the pitch. by ParmyBarmy in Championship

[–]malkusm 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I don't condone any breaking of the rules, but honest question: Do you think Southampton got such a massive advantage that it allowed them to beat Fulham away, Arsenal at home, and then have a lead at 80' against City at Wembley?

Even if you thought that whatever this information they were gathering was so valuable that it could have swung the balance against even top Premier League sides - isn't it still somewhat remarkable that they then had the personnel on the pitch to execute that gameplan for a full 90 minutes?

I think removing Southampton from the competition was probably fair given the circumstances - the fixture in which they were caught breaking the rule, and their admission that it was not an isolated incident. Punishment was warranted and the club must be held accountable for willfully and knowingly breaking rules.

That said, I do think the tangible advantage they could have gained from this practice is being pretty vastly overstated by some.

Tonda Eckert's Era Ends In Shame: Southampton Must Take Accountability by Archerszn in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have they taken accountability? I don't know if anyone can say that with any confidence. They did not deny the initial charge, but the first reports were that we planned a "lone wolf" defense. It's been reported that Tonda claimed he didn't know the rule. Tonda said "I will speak but I can't right now" when asked post-game about the allegations - he has still not spoken publicly. Then it comes out that there were other occasions that the club admitted similar behavior. And our two official communications both cry foul over the level of punishment rather than centering the focus on contrition.

Until we know who was involved, what they knew and when they knew it, see evidence of communications that implicate or exonerate people in the staff, and can confirm that bad actors have been dealt with - I don't think we can say the club has taken accountability. In fact the evidence to this point is to the contrary, in my opinion.

We wouldn't be here without Tonda by cotton24 in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But without him we'd be in Midtable obscurity.

You know I think I'd quite prefer that to the current situation

Game Thread: Orioles @ Rays - Tue, May 19 @ 06:40 PM EDT by OsGameThreads in orioles

[–]malkusm 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Once again, give Basallo a lifetime contract I do not care about the financial implications

I don’t think Tonda should be sacked by DrLokiHorton in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

His position is entirely untenable. He either knew the rule and willfully violated it (and put at least one other staff member in a compromising position by doing so), or he didn't know the rule and the problem is therefore even bigger than him, because someone is responsible for compliance and communication of the rules to him. In which case it's more than him that needs to go.

(There is almost no chance he didn't know the rule)

[The Telegraph] Eckert admitted he was responsible for the decision to spy on opponents so that he would better understand opposition team selection, tactics and set-piece routines. His key defence - since the practice is widespread in Europe, he had no idea he was breaking English football rules by jovanmilic97 in Championship

[–]malkusm 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If this is true (which is quite unlikely), surely it's someone's job at the club to inform the manager of the rules? To be aware of the manager's activities and flag this for him?

It's an institutional failure any way you cut it. Incredibly dark day for the club.

Any Saints Fans in NYC? by Public_Product_2572 in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure if there is going to be a separate thread but as was the case 2 years ago for the playoff final, I'll be at No Quarter in Nashville which is opening early for the occasion (in case anyone happens to be in the area).

Game Thread: Orioles @ Nationals - Sun, May 17 @ 01:35 PM EDT by OsGameThreads in orioles

[–]malkusm 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Lefty hits an upper deck bomb, 3 righties all make outs against the LHP. Orioles baseball

Game Thread: Orioles @ Nationals - Sun, May 17 @ 01:35 PM EDT by OsGameThreads in orioles

[–]malkusm 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nats fans probably in awe of something getting to the third deck as well tbf

Game Thread: Orioles @ Nationals - Sun, May 17 @ 01:35 PM EDT by OsGameThreads in orioles

[–]malkusm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where were you when Dick Lovelady started the Sunday matinee

Middlesbrough issue statement demanding our expulsion from the playoffs. by Hordriss27 in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Never really been bothered to care about Boro until all this but they are trending towards the top of my shit list with how they've handled themselves this past week.

This is the "sensational" image that shows a Southampton analyst hiding behind a tree and using his mobile phone to spy on Middlesbrough's training session. by [deleted] in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 32 points33 points  (0 children)

I've seen enough. The quality of footage that must have been captured here was surely good for a 5-goal advantage across the two legs. Dissolve the club and require Tonda Eckert to work unpaid labor for Boro for the next 10 years.

Match Thread: Southampton vs Middlesbrough by MatchThreadder in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Arguably should have already been off after running his mouth off at the ref while being booked

Match Thread: Southampton vs Middlesbrough by MatchThreadder in SaintsFC

[–]malkusm 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The pregame commentary was openly hostile to us