Tax slurs ruined my career says former Portsmouth chief Peter Storrie

(AFP/Getty)

Former Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said tax dodge slurs against him ruined his career.

Storrie also said he contacted police after being harassed by opposing football supporters.

Today's verdicts in the Harry Redknapp case mean Storrie's acquittal at a previous trial can also be reported.

Mr Storrie told Southwark Crown Court he has not been able to revive his football career as he waited to clear his name.

"For four years I could not tell everyone that I was an innocent man," he said.

"For 17 years I was held in very high regard in football. At the moment it is impossible for anyone in football to employ me. If they Google my name all they can see is this case against me and 'tax fiddle, tax deal and tax fraud'.

"It is totally impossible for me to get into football until I clear my name."

He said since the acquittal he has applied for a number of jobs unsuccessfully and he has been living on his savings which are "dwindling".

"Fortunately we are in a position to do that but I need to get back to work," he added.

Storrie described his anguish at abuse from the public, some swearing at him while he was out walking his dogs and others shouting in the street.

In one instance, at a Portsmouth away game at Southampton, he was forced to report a matter to the police, he said.

Storrie said: "I left the game with my wife and family. We were approached by half a dozen Southampton supporters yelling into our faces 'tax fraud'. It was horrendous."

PA

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In quotes: What Harry Redknapp told the jury