ANALYSIS
By Chris Myson
Two weeks on from Kenny Dalgish‘s sacking as Liverpool manager, the Reds have appointed Brendan Rodgers as their new boss on a three-year deal.
It has been an entertaining and, at times, confusing search for Dalglish’s replacement, with a number of names coming in and out of the running over the last fortnight.
Goal.com takes a definitive look at the twists and turns we have seen as Liverpool searched for their new manager before finally landing on Rodgers as their choice.
May 16 2012
Kenny Dalglish is sacked by Liverpool after talks with the club’s American owners FSG in Boston. Despite winning the League Cup and reaching the FA Cup final, an eighth-place finish in the Premier League was considered unacceptable.
Roberto Martinez and former manager Rafael Benitez head the early running as the betting markets snap their quickfire odds to replace Dalglish.
Liverpool waste little time and approach Martinez, who emerges as the leading early candidate for the job.
May 17 2012 
Despite this, though, ex-Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas emerges as the leader in the betting markets by the next morning, followed in the list by Martinez, Rodgers and Benitez.
Ian Ayre, the club’s managing director, insists there is no rush to appoint a new manager at Anfield.
Wigan owner Dave Whelan advises Martinez against joining Liverpool, describing the club as a “morgue” and questioning how much authority he would get in their management structure.
It is then confirmed Martinez will travel to Boston for talks with Fenway Sports Group in the days ahead.
Despite his reservations, Whelan confirms he will not stand in Martinez’s way as the Spaniard looks to be the main candidate for the job at Anfield.
May 18 2012
Pep Guardiola and Rodgers both reject the chance to talk with Liverpool as it emerges the club want to speak to and sound out numerous candidates, rather than just Martinez.
May 19 2012
No Klopp at the Kop as Dortmund’s coach also rejects rumours he would be interested in the job too.
However, Villas-Boas will speak to the Reds to discuss the possibility of taking over.
May 21 2012
Ajax boss Frank de Boer becomes the latest name to reject the chance to talk to Liverpool.
Didier Deschamps also rules out the job, saying he wants to stay at Marseille, despite a disappointing 2011-12 campaign in Ligue 1.
May 22 2012
Liverpool line up a second round of talks with Martinez after speaking to Villas-Boas, who remains a viable back-up option.
May 24 2012
The Reds appear to cool their interest in Villas-Boas, who drops out of the race.
Martinez is now firm favourite in the betting odds, with Villas-Boas and Rodgers behind and Benitez now a distant fourth.
Later that evening, the Spaniard flies out for further talks with the club’s owners in Miami.
May 25 2012
Club captain Steven Gerrard says he would welcome Martinez as manager, but Whelan warns he could still turn the job down if the circumstances and terms are not right.
Martinez seemingly edges closer to landing the role but is yet to receive a formal offer.
May 28 2012
With rumours growing that Liverpool’s pursuit of Martinez may be stalling, Swansea insist there has been no contact over Rodgers.
Whelan says Liverpool have until May 31 to make up their mind on Martinez as his club need to start planning for next season.
May 29 2012
Liverpool make a second approach for Rodgers, who emerges as the new leading candidate for the role in a surprise twist.
May 30 2012
It emerges Martinez has baulked at the managerial structure planned by the club and ended talks, which prompted them to make a definitive move for Rodgers.
Things develop quickly and it is widely reported that Rodgers will be appointed as the new Liverpool manager, with the ex-Swansea boss set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal.
May 31 2012
Liverpool agree a compensation package with Swansea to secure Rodgers and three of his backroom staff at the Welsh club.
June 1 2012
Rodgers is officially unveiled as the new Liverpool manager in a press conference at Anfield. Stay with Goal.com for all the reaction and fallout to his appointment.
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