As the longest managerial sagas in Leicester City's recent history comes to a close, fans are confused and questions are being asked. So, what actually happened at the King Power Stadium?
Following the sacking of Nigel Pearson, it has been a tale of surprise favourites, past heroes and even Preki and it all started way back on the 30th June.
30th June - Nigel Pearson sacked
To the surprise of nearly everybody in football, the controversial Nigel Pearson was relieved of his duties by Leicester City Football Club.
The club released a statement on their official website citing a "difference in perspective" and an "unattainable" relationship with Pearson as reasons for the popular manager's departure.
However, initially all seemed to be well at the Midlands club following their remarkable "Great Escape" from relegation to the Championship. But, following an influx of bets, there were indeed suggestions that Pearson had left the club.
Fans were deeply saddened by the departure of the man who had earned the club the League 1 and Championship titles, two play-off campaigns (albeit unsuccessful) and Premier League survival.
There were various theories being formulated by fans and pundits alike as to the true reasons behind Pearson's sacking. Namely, that he had strong objection to the termination of his son James' contract following an incident on the club's post-season visit to Thailand. But, it could also have been caused by an accumulation of the incidents that occurred last season (choking James McArthur, naming a journalist an "ostrich" etc.)
As usual, bookmakers immediately offered odds on favourites for the next permanent Leicester manager to be appointed. Names such as the recently released Sam Allardyce and highly-rated Burnley manager Sean Dyche were early front-runners for the job.
4 July - Guus Hiddink reportedly approached
After the dust had to settled, a five-man panel at Leicester City was trusted with the task to find a successor to Pearson. Obviously, the candidates had to be experienced, dependable and possibly a "big-name". So, up stepped ex-Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink.
Hiddink had just resigned from the Dutch national team so seemed the perfect candidate to take the reins at the King Power stadium. The bookies also agreed as he slowly became the clear favourite for the job (the first in a long line).
However, some fans met this news with scepticism, despite the Dutchman's glittering career that includes tenures at Chelsea, PSV Eindhoven and even Real Madrid.
According to The Telegraph, Hiddink was approached by Leicester's Thai owners but rejected as he did not want to return to club football so soon after departing the Netherlands job. Also, the Leicester Mercury reported that Hiddink was offered a supervisory role but turned that down as well.
5 July - Lennon and Cotteril are backed
As one big name removed himself from the frame, two lesser-known figures became favourites. Neil Lennon and Steve Cotteril are more associated with times of success at Leicester under Martin O'Neill and Micky Adams respectively.
Possessing an abundance of experience but also youth between them, the two seemed great candidates to continue the stellar work started by Pearson. However, despite the recent successes of the two at Celtic and Bristol City, the two were questioned by fans.
Deemed too inexperienced in the Premier League, Cotteril was quickly dismissed as a genuine candidate by fans in spite of him being considered a consistent favourite by bookmakers. However, Lennon was a permanent fixture in betting-slips and also in the minds of fans.
Being a former Leicester player, fans have a great affection for Lennon and most would welcome his return, whether as manager is up for debate. Currently managing at Bolton Wanderers, Lennon must have been tempted to return to his former club and attempt a season of Premier League football. Also, the financial backing of the Srivaddhanaprabha family must have been a draw for the former Celtic manager.
Another former Leicester hero Muzzy Izzet previously gave his support for Lennon on social media, with a tweet saying:
"Big names being touted about for the LCFC job. Why? Give it to Lennon you know he'll put he's all into the club just like he did as a player".
But, according to The Daily Mail, Lennon was never in contact with the Foxes (much to the relief or dismay of some supporters).
6 July - Claudio Ranieri declares interest
A job within the Premier League is an attractive proposition for any manager, especially if they have experienced it before. But, a somewhat surprise candidate offered his services; Claudio Ranieri.
Having been out of work for a few months following his disastrous spell in charge of the Greece national team, Ranieri publicly expressed his interest in the job at Leicester. Although there had been "no contact" with the Midlands club, the Italian would be interested in "what they had to say".
At the time it seemed Ranieri had the perfect credentials for the job at Leicester. He boasts bountiful experience within the Premier League with Chelsea and is a proven success at clubs such as Monaco, ironically who Leicester City played in a pre-season friendly in July 2013 (the French side won 3-0 that day). Ranieri is also a "big-name", something that the Leicester City owners reportedly searched for.
Again, Foxes' fans were in great debate regarding this potential appointment. Being dubbed 'The Tinkerman' at Chelsea, fans were concerned that Ranieri would disturb the squad unity and balance at the club, something that proved to be crucial to their success of the last few years.
However, despite Ranieri forcing his way into consideration for the job, he was not considered a favourite for the job by bookmakers. But, more of the dynamic Italian later.
8 July - Preki who?
As the days passed, the sources went relatively quiet and fans wondered what was occurring in the depths of the King Power stadium. This was until an extremely strange and surreal Wednesday evening occurred. Former Toronto FC manager and ex-Everton player Predrag Radoslavjevic was now clear favourite.
The then Sacramento Republic manager was cut to as short as 11/10 to be the next Leicester manager at some bookmakers, placing him as clear favourite in the running for the job. Furthermore, the Californian-based outfit confirmed on their official website that 'Preki' would leave the club to "accept a position in the UK", only connoting the speculation that the American was set to take over at Leicester.
Fans were understandably concerned by Preki potentially taking over, with him having so little managerial experience. Preki previously had spells with Toronto FC, Sacramento Republic and also Chivas USA so it was difficult to see him stepping up to a permanent job in the Premier League.
10 July- Betting on O'Neill suspended
With Leicester City fans continuing to be underwhelmed by some of the names linked with the manager's post and Jurgen Klopp or Sam Allardyce looking unlikely, some were rejuvenated with a potential hero's return. Martin O'Neill had been linked with a return to the club before, specifically after the tenure of Sven-Goran Eriksson. But, this time it looked extremely likely.
Having had spells at Celtic, Sunderland, Aston Villa and the Ireland national team since his initial spell in the East Midlands, betting on O'Neill returning to Leicester was suspended. This was caused by several big-money bets being placed and the odds crashing down. Evidently, this news stirred excitement between supporters, with them having fond memories of the Northern Irishman's time at Filbert Street.
O'Neill would have been given the task of consolidating Leicester within the Premier League, something that he managed in his first spell; achieving consecutive top ten finishes along with silverware and the occasional European campaign. But, with him able to continue a familiar formation (5-3-2) and style of play it may have been possible again.
However, there would be problems that would occur if O'Neill was considered. Firstly, O'Neill was still in a job with Republic of Ireland so it may have been difficult to prise him away from his current deal (which still has a year left to run). Secondly, there was the possibility that he would reject them again. Any previous approach from the Foxes have been knocked back.
So, although O'Neill was very much in the frame according to the bookies, a return looked unlikely.
12 July - Schmeichel applies
In a surprising turn of events in the Leicester City managerial saga, Peter Schmeichel (father of Foxes 'keeper Kasper) applied for the job. It was a move that shocked the football world.
Schmeichel had next to no managerial experience so seemed an extremely unlikely candidate for manager. This is probably what eventually deterred Leicester with them looking for a season of survival and low risk within the 14/15 Premier League. There were also other potential problems as well if Schmeichel was appointed.
It was difficult to predict how Kasper would react to the news of his father being his manager. With the young goalkeeper constantly being distanced from the legacy and history of Schmeichel Senior, he would maybe object to working under or with him.
However, Peter would have definitely brought experience to the club who are relatively new to top-flight football. Having experienced over 700 club appearances as a player with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Manchester City, among others, he would bring considerable knowledge and a definite will to win to the Midlands club.
But, having such little managerial and coaching experience, maybe Schmeichel was not even considered for the role. But, it made for interesting news!
13 July - Ranieri favoured and appointed
After two weeks of torture for Leicester City fans, a new manager was finally appointed by the owners at Leicester City. Having been preceded by a steady of bets, Claudio Ranieri was announced as the new man to take the club forward.
Overall, the Italian brings valuable experience to the club after spells with Valencia, Monaco and Chelsea. It is going to be an interesting season for fans and players alike, after the owners announced the big-name that they had been searching for.
If 'The Tinkerman' can keep the Foxes in the Premier League for the next few years, he will leave the club as a successful and possibly popular appointment. But, if he repeats the feats of the last 'big-name' at Leicester City (Sven-Goran Erikssen) he will be seen as a failure.
But, one thing is for certain: it will be entertaining and there will probably be some turmoil thrown in as well.
