Whatever the legal ins and outs of 'Arry's trial, it has raised some grubby insights into the dealings of clubs, owners and football. But if Redknapp is found guilty, can he ever shake the tag of 'criminal' and take on the England job? Will the FA or the fans have it? The FA have recently set precedent for doing the right thing by taking away John Terry's armband, so they certainly have form.
On sale at the Pentonville club shop
Redknapp (and his former chairman Milan Mandaric) were charged with attempting to avoid paying tax. (Lots of people do it, and perhaps if the Government were so keen to chase up the other big companies who owe tax, I wouldn't be faced with a pay cut.) A betting man would put some serious cash on the fact that if Harry is found not guilty, it's likely he'll take over from Fabio Capello after Euro 2012.
But what about others? Tony Adams was convicted of drink driving in 1990, midway through Arsenal's title-winning season. He spent nearly two months in prison, and although it took him another five years to give up the booze, he became Arsenal's most successful captain, and even captained England to Euro 1996. While he continues to be one of the most famous examples of a current player sent to prison, the fact he returned to captain his country shows that maybe there would be hope for Redknapp (and John Terry...)
Lee Hughes failed to make the starting XI
All the talk of Terry is moot, the offence he has been charged with doesn't carry a custodial sentence. The previous blog covered the issue of the captaincy, but what about his career as a player? Chelsea, like most big clubs, have a public anti-racism policy, and continue to sign several players from other countries - could Terry continue to have a career in English football if convicted?
Several sportspeople over the years have gone to prison, and no doubt will carry on doing so. Jermaine Pennant even played a Premier League game while wearing an electronic tag as part of his release on temporary license. Shameful perhaps, but as his most recent stupid moment is apparently leaving a Porsche at a car park in Spain, it may have worked.
On a slight tangent, art imitating life may be seen in reverse - Vinnie Jones vehicle Mean Machine (a remake of Burt Reynolds classic the Longest Yard) saw a former England captain sent to prison, also featuring Jason Statham as a Scottish psychopath. Statham indeed deserves prison for crimes against cinema, but it was his performance in goal that convinced legendary goalkeeper Sylvester Stallone to make him an Expendable...
Pepe Reina relished the chance to star in the Transporter 4
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