Southampton’s head of UK scouting, Ben Chorley, has announced he is leaving the club. The announcement follows Southampton being charged with spying on multiple clubs throughout the season, including Middlesbrough.
The club were kicked out of the Championship playoffs earlier this month after the charges. Middlesbrough went on into the final but lost against Hull City. Both Southampton and Middlesbrough will be playing in the Championship next season.
Chorley’s Statement on LinkedIn
Chorley confirmed his departure from Southampton in a statement on LinkedIn, suggesting it’s the right time for him to move on. He stated he would be leaving Southampton and Sport Republic at the end of June.
“I’ll be leaving Southampton and Sport Republic at the end of June. It’s the right time. Working within a multi-club model as Sporting Director in Europe, and leading the UK side at Southampton, has been a privilege. The experiences—promotions and relegations across the clubs, being involved in hundreds of transfer transactions, and learning from high-level leaders in data, performance, finance, and process—have been invaluable.”
Chorley went on to thank a host of different people who have been with him along the journey.
Uncertainty Surrounds Departure
It is unclear whether Chorley’s departure is linked to the Spygate scandal or whether he was planning to leave the club regardless. The news was confirmed in a breaking story on Sky Sports.
Southampton were in a strong position to be promoted to the Premier League. It’s likely that plenty of their staff and players are frustrated with the situation.
It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if many of them were looking to leave the club, while manager Tonda Eckert is surely under pressure after his involvement.
Southampton Face Interesting Summer
It now looks like it is going to be an interesting summer for Southampton. The club were likely hoping to be preparing for a season in the Premier League.
The first departure from Southampton following the Spygate scandal against Middlesbrough has now been confirmed.
It’s the right time.