Redknapp 'staggered' by Hammers' plight

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An independent commission appointed by the Premier League fined the relegation-threatened outfit a record £5.5million pounds on Friday for breaching rules regarding third-part ownership of players but declined to dock the side vital points.

Redknapp told The Sun: "How can they make a mistake like this? The players were signed on transfer deadline day, so it was all done on the quick. But you still have to know what papers to sign and the rules. Things still have to be checked with the league. It's staggering, unbelievable."

But Redknapp, 60, admitted he was glad the Upton Park club were not deducted points - a move that would have effectively condemned them to relegation - and was also sympathetic to Eggert Magnusson, who assumed control of West Ham after the deals were struck.

"Overall, I'm just hugely relieved the club were not deducted points. That would have been so unfair on the fans," he added.

"They've not done anything wrong and do not deserve that. So that's a blessed relief. I have sympathy for Magnusson, this is not his doing and he is now paying for someone else's mistake.

"But he seems to be part of a group of ambitious new owners who will be able to afford the fine and, to be honest, I'd rather even get a £10m fine than a points deduction.

"At least if West Ham get relegated now it will be because the team weren't good enough, not because of a mistake in the office."