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Sky Sports pundit makes Saints promotion claim following Spygate conclusion

Sky Sports EFL expert Don Goodman believes Southampton handled the uncertainty amid Spygate "very well" and backs them to be among the automatic promotion contenders.

By Dan Hargraves · Daily Echo

Published: Thursday, 12 November 2026 at 4:53 PM

Key Things to Know

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman backed Southampton as automatic Championship promotion contenders following the conclusion of Spygate.
Head coach Tonda Eckert received a six-week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine from the FA.
Southampton sit seventh in the Championship with 24 points from 15 matches despite starting on minus four points.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Sky Sports EFL expert Don Goodman stated that Southampton handled recent uncertainty well and backed the club as automatic promotion contenders following the conclusion of their Spygate controversy. Head coach Tonda Eckert received a six-week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine from the FA, giving the club clarity moving forward.

Despite starting the season with a four-point deduction, Southampton sit seventh with 24 points from 15 Championship matches. Goodman highlighted that Eckert accumulated 95 points across his first 46 games in charge, naming Southampton alongside Middlesbrough and West Ham as standout contenders for automatic promotion.

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