Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed he once managed Portsmouth with £30,000 stuffed down his trousers.
‘Arry alleges that the money was given to him before kick-off by Paul Merson, who owed it to a slightly dubious gang of Irish bookmakers.
Writing in his new book, Redknapp reveals:
“One day at Millwall he came into the dressing room with a big, brown bag full of readies. ‘Would you look after this for me, gaffer?’ he asked.
“It’s 30 grand. It’s for a bookmaker, an Irish mob. They’re after me and I’ve got to meet them after the game. Will you look after it for me until then?
“I put a tracksuit on so there was more room to conceal these readies.
“It was OK until I sprung out of my seat on the touchline. As I did, I felt something move.
“As I was trying to get a message to the players I could feel Merson’s 30 grand making its way south along my trouser leg.
“I looked down and the notes were coming out the bottom of my trousers.
“I edged back to my seat like a bloke who needed the toilet quickly. The staff were very concerned.
“Are you all right, Harry?’ I was virtually doubled up, as if in pain.
“I slid into my seat and didn’t move, stuck in this awkward position in case the money moved again.
“The staff kept asking if I needed to see the doctor, and I kept telling them it was nothing, I was fine, I just needed to be left alone. I was rooted to the spot.
“We ended up winning 5–0 and Merson got cheered off by the Millwall punters, he was that good.
“It wasn’t the only result he had that day. He told me afterwards that the money he owed was nearer £100,000 than £30,000 but the bookmakers had decided to cut their losses.”
