Redknapp awaits tax trial verdict

From dugout to dock. And back again. That has been the routine for Harry Redknapp during his tax evasion trial, which entered its 12th and probably final day on Tuesday.

Even that schedule was interrupted by the technical failure suffered to the plane that was due to take Redknapp and Tottenham directors and officials to Liverpool late on Monday.

Given the stresses of the last two-and-a-half weeks, it is not hard to imagine the Spurs manager’s state of mind when a second flight was unavailable to take him to Merseyside.

His team’s goalless draw at a Champions League rival was creditable enough, although as one of those who likes to live every kick of the ball from the touchline he would not have enjoyed watching the action unfold from the London apartment where he has been staying during the trial.

It is anticipated that Redknapp will discover his fate at Southwark Crown Court at some point on Tuesday. The judge will sum up the case before instructing the jury of eight men and four women to retire to consider their verdict.

The Spurs manager has been accompanied by his son Jamie throughout the case, as well as Tottenham directors Darren Eales and Donna Cullen.

Richard Bevan, the League Managers’ Association chief executive, has also made appearances in support of one of his association’s most high profile clients.

The strain of managing a club in the race for the Premier League title at the same time as standing trial for charges that could carry a potential jail sentence has told on Redknapp at times.

He snapped last week at the detective who led the investigation into his financial affairs and has looked exhausted at times, sat in the dock alongside his co-accused Milan Mandaric.