SVEN Goran Eriksson finally brought the pantomime season to an end last night - and kick-started the magic managerial roundabout.

Who's next in line to inherit the Ewood hot-seat?

The same names, such as Roy Hodgson and Bobby Robson, will no doubt crop up again, though with question marks against them.

But John Toshack could emerge as a leading contender, following his problems with Deportivo La Coruna.

It might depend on how keen he is to return to Britain.

Money, presumably, will not be a problem.

Especially if the kitty is supplemented by a compensation figure, which Rovers are sure to demand if, as expected, Eriksson now defects to Lazio.

A sum of £500,000 has already been reported in Italy as the likely cost of the Swede, whose reputation for honouring deals has suffered a huge dent, going back on his written agreement to accept a three-year contract with Rovers from July.

Money, however, will be of little consolation at Ewood where, until recent weeks, it was thought a top European coach would be arriving in summer to build on the revival begun by caretaker-boss Tony Parkes. Eriksson today refused to comment on his decision, saying there would be a further statement early next week.

As we have been stressing for some time, it had become a matter of if Eriksson would come rather than when.

It has been the worst-kept secret in football.

And another exclusive Lancashire Evening Telegraph story first broke the news that he had definitely decided he wanted out of the deal while clubs and manager-elect refused to enlighten anyone.

The official version eventually emerged last night when owner Jack Walker said: "We have now received it officially from him that, for his own personal circumstances, he will not be coming to Blackburn Rovers.

"Blackburn Rovers are obviously disappointed because we had every belief that he was coming."

Chairman Robert Coar confirmed that Eriksson had put his decision in writing and that it had been received yesterday.

"The board will be discussing the matter over the weekend and a further statement will be made early next week," he added.

But, given the fact that it had become obvious Eriksson was trying to squirm out of the deal, Rovers will surely have already been giving thought to their new target.

As it stands, Parkes was expected to be in charge until the end of the season anyway - and has been given money to spend, underlined by the arrival of Per Pedersen.

And the efforts of the staff and players have alleviated the League position. But it remains vital for the club to make a credible appointment as soon as possible.

Parkes, preparing the squad for the game against Liverpool, said that, while everyone was aware of the Eriksson situation, they were concentrating their minds on their own jobs.

"In that sense it doesn't affect the playing side. It's for others to worry about it."

Toshack has had a lot of success in Spain, despite what happened with Deportivo.

Hodgson, who was approached after Terry Venables had turned the job down to join Australia, is still said to be on a knife edge with Inter Milan.

But, after Rovers' approach, he was handed a new contract.

Robson has been given a vote of confidence at Barcelona but that too is a volatile situation.

A Barcelona source said that Robson is on "very dangerous ground", with the Catalan giants six points adrift of Spanish league leaders Real Madrid following a midweek 2-0 defeat at Real Sociedad.

"Many people feel it will be necessary for the team to win on Sunday if he is to stay in a job here," said the source.

"Bobby is a gentleman, but at Barcelona they only care about winners. But I know Blackburn are interested in him."

There must be questions about Robson's age and whether he still has the appetite for a job such as that which needs to be done at Ewood.

Only a week ago, Mr Walker stressed he would do everything possible to persuade Eriksson to keep to his word.

Now he must channel that energy into finding a replacement.

The calibre and standing of Eriksson in the European game will be a tough act to 'follow'.

It casts a shadow over some of the home-based names who have been mentioned.

But at least Rovers could expect them to turn up for work!

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