Harry Redknapp said his “nightmare” was
over after being cleared of tax evasion.
The Tottenham boss had denied accepting secret
untaxed bonus payments from former
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric, while he
was club manager.
Mr Mandaric was also cleared of two charges of
cheating the public revenue over the £189,000
payments.
Mr Redknapp, who was close to tears, said the
case “should never have come to court”.
Speaking on the steps of Southwark Crown
Court, he thanked his family, the fans at
Tottenham and his legal team after coming
through the five-year investigation, which is
believed to have cost about £8m.
He said: “The Wigan game [on 31 January] was
the most moving I’ve ever felt, for me personally
to have them singing my name throughout the
game while all this was going on, that will
always be special to me.
“It’s been a nightmare, it’s been five years, it’s a
case that should never have come to court.
“I’m looking forward to going home and getting
on with my life.”
Former England boss Graham Taylor said the
verdict now opens the way for Redknapp to
take charge of the national team in the
future.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, another former England
manager, said he thought Mr Redknapp would
be a “very, very good choice” as Fabio Capello’s
successor.
Bookmakers have now stopped taking bets on Mr
Redknapp becoming the next England boss.
Mr Redknapp and Mr Mandaric embraced in the
dock as the verdicts were read after five hours of
deliberations.
Mr Mandaric, who is currently chairman of
Sheffield Wednesday, walked up to Det Insp
Dave Manley to shake his hand and said: “Thank
you”.
Redknapp cleared of tax evasion
