Tax charge weighs on Redknapp

Harry Redknapp admits he has struggled to keep his mind on his work as Tottenham manager as he prepares to fight tax evasion charges which will come to court in July.

As Redknapp, who denies any wrongdoing, prepares his side for a Champions League clash with AC Milan the Spurs boss also has the court case with which to contend.

"If it wasn't me this wouldn't be happening," Redknapp told the News of the World. "I'm not a paedophile and I'm not a bank robber. I've done nothing wrong. I'm hurt by it, and it hurts my wife and family. I just want to get it out of the way and move on. It has been difficult to concentrate on the job at times, but I've managed to do it."

Redknapp, whose house was raided by the police four years ago, claims what has happened to him has been treated with disbelief by people who know him.

The High Court later ruled the search warrant used by City of London Police for the raid was invalid and Redknapp received £1,000 in damages.

"If I had done something wrong I'd be the first to hold my hands up and say 'yeah, okay'.

"What I've had to go through is unreal, absolutely farcical. What happened to my wife, Sandra, was a disgrace.

"I'll wait for it to finish and then I'll have my say."