Wrexham's celebrity owners have aimed a playful dig at Southampton ahead of their Championship meeting this weekend. Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob MacElhenney posted a 59-second video on the club's official social media account referencing the Spygate scandal that saw Southampton punished last season.
The video begins with Reynolds peering from behind a tree before he addresses the camera. "Today, for no particular reason, we want to talk about the importance of privacy," Reynolds said. MacElhenney then adds, "Specifically, how to prevent spies from seeing what you're doing." The clip, which also promotes the club's shirt sponsor, ends with footage of a purported Southampton pickleball team in practice.
Lingering tensions
The video is a clear nod to the incidents that led to Southampton's expulsion from last season's play-off final and a four-point deduction. An intern was found observing Middlesbrough's training, with similar episodes at Oxford United and Ipswich Town also noted. The EFL declined to comment on the new video, though senior figures at the league are understood to have considered it in poor taste.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson stated the club has accepted the EFL's original decision on the matter and is focused purely on the upcoming game. Southampton, currently ninth in the Championship with 10 points from seven games, travel to face a Wrexham side sitting 19th. The Saints are on a two-game winning run, having beaten Bristol City 4-1 last time out, and will be looking to extend that form.
Recent history
The two sides last met in April, with Southampton securing a commanding 5-1 victory at the Racecourse Ground. That result helped Southampton overtake Wrexham and ultimately claim a play-off spot. Wrexham, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a 6-0 defeat to West Ham United in their previous outing.
Saturday's match kicks off at 3pm BST. Southampton's top scorer this season is Cyle Larin, who has seven goals in seven appearances and netted a brace in the recent win over Bristol City. The latest team news and player availability can be found on our squad page.
This story first appeared at BBC Sport Football
