Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMiddlesbrough will face Hull City in the Championship play-off final after being reinstated following an extraordinary 'Spygate' controversy. Southampton were excluded from the competition after an independent commission ruled their staff breached EFL rules by observing Middlesbrough's training sessions. The decision, which saw Southampton's subsequent appeal dismissed, propelled Middlesbrough into the showpiece event despite their initial semi-final defeat. Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg revealed he has not slept for a week and a half due to the intense situation, which has a £200 million reward at stake. Hellberg expressed sympathy for affected fans and players, and faces challenges with his squad's fitness and mental state ahead of the Wembley final. In fullMiddlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg admits to sleepless nights over Southampton ‘Spygate’ dramaThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Middlesbrough boss reveals how he has been affected by ‘Spygate’ controversy
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMiddlesbrough will face Hull City in the Championship play-off final after being reinstated following an extraordinary 'Spygate' controversy. Southampton were excluded from the competition after an independent commission ruled their staff breached EFL rules by observing Middlesbrough's training sessions. The decision, which saw Southampton's subsequent appeal dismissed, propelled Middlesbrough into the showpiece event despite their initial semi-final defeat. Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg revealed he has not slept for a week and a half due to the intense situation, which has a £200 million reward at stake. Hellberg expressed sympathy for affected fans and players, and faces challenges with his squad's fitness and mental state ahead of the Wembley final. In fullMiddlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg admits to sleepless nights over Southampton ‘Spygate’ dramaThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
