From Keegan to Eriksson

Kevin Keegan's resignation from the position of England coach surprised everyone in the world of football.

His announcement came after England lost their opening 2002 World Cup qualifier against Germany at Wembley.

After that rumour after rumour has dominated the back pages - until Sven Goran Eriksson was finally confirmed as England's first foreign manager.

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Saturday 7 October

England lose to Germany 1-0, with Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann scoring from a free-kick in what was Wembley's farewell match.

After the game the Football Association's Adam Crozier and Noel White have a meeting with Keegan.

Keegan announces to the press that he is to step down as England coach.

Keegan's assistants Arthur Cox and Peter Beardsley also step down from their posts.

The search for the new coach begins.

Sunday 8 October

FA technical director Howard Wilkinson takes charge for the forthcoming qualifier against Finland in Helsinki.

Ex-England defender Stuart Pearce and former Manchester United number two Brian Kidd come in to help Wilkinson.

The FA's chief executive Adam Crozier says that the Association will not be rushing into finding a successor to Keegan

The bookies list ex-England boss Terry Venables as their favourite with Roma coach Fabio Capello, Leicester manager Peter Taylor, Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson and World Cup winning manager Aime Jacquet also given short odds.

Tuesday 10 October

Over 40% of BBC Sport Online voters back Terry Venables to take up the role of England coach once again.

The FA sets itself a Christmas deadline to try to find a new England manager - adding that he will be expected to speak fluent English.

Newspapers brand Wilkinson's choice of team for the Finland match as the worst England selection ever.

The FA reveals that it hopes to install a line of succession to the England coach's role. "We need to develop some continuity, as what we can't have is everything changing every 18 months," Crozier said.

Wednesday 11 October

England draw 0-0 away to Finland. Wilkinson admits it will be tough for England to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

Thursday 12 October

The FA's Adam Crozier heads a 'think-tank' to try to find the new England coach following the national team's dismal performance against Finland which leaves them rooted to the bottom of their World Cup table.

Friday 13 October

High-profile managers come out in support of Terry Venables. "I think Terry Venables is the outstanding choice for footballing reasons - only Terry has got experience at the highest level both in England and abroad as well," said Spurs boss Geroge Graham.

Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham stresses that "the England team should be managed by an England manager".

Sunday 15 October

Newspapers suggest that Newcastle boss Bobby Robson heads the list of candidates to take the England post.

The 67-year-old, who took England to the 1990 World Cup semi-finals, is quoted as saying: "If my chairman agrees, I would be delighted to help out England."

Monday 16 October

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein admits that he will "drop out" of contract negotiations with Arsene Wenger if the manager is courted for the England job.

Wednesday 18 October

Newcastle assistant coach Mick Wadsworth states that Robson will not be leaving St James Park.

Friday 20 October

The newspapers are unanimous in their verdict that Venables will not get the England job, after the FA issue a list of criteria that appears to rule him out.

Saturday 21 October

The FA make an official apprraoch to lure Robson away for a seven-game period. Newcastle reject the FA's offer.

"We had wanted his experience and enthusiasm for a short period to be made available to the England team," said the FA's executive director David Davies.

Sunday 22 October

England appoint Leicester boss Peter Taylor as temporary boss for the friendly away to Italy on 15 November. Manchester United's Steve McClaren is his assistant for the game.

Tuesday 24 October

FC Copenhagen admit they would not immediately block the FA if they are to approach their English manager Roy Hodgson.

Gunners boss Wenger refuses England's offer admitting that he wants to see out his Highbury contract.

Eriksson also rejects England's approach. "I have a contract with Lazio until June 2001 and I am not taking into consideration any offer that does not come from the Biancoceleste (Lazio)," said the Swede.

Friday 27 October

Lazio number two Tord Grip reveals that the FA have made an appraoch for Eriksson.

Sunday 29 October

The Sunday Times prints that the FA are now after former Dutch World Cup star Johan Cruyff.

Monday 30 October

An FA spokesman tells BBC Sport Online that "efforts are currently ongoing with regard to making a formal appointment of England's coach, but there is nothing to report at present".

Italian news agency, Ansa, release the news that Eriksson has accepted the role as the new England coach.

The FA reveals that it is in talks with Eriksson.

Tuesday 31 October

Lazio confirm they will release Eriksson next summer, increasing speculation that he is about to be named as England boss.

The Football Association calls a press conference in the afternoon - and chief executive Adam Crozier confirms that Eriksson has agreed a five-year deal to become national manager.