SOUTHEND United took 45 days before announcing Mark Molesley as their new manager.

Echosport looks back at the twists and turns during Blues' attempts to replace Sol Campbell.

July 1

Adam Barrett tops an Echosport poll on who Blues fans want to be the next manager while Spencer Prior reveals he feels the club must improve their structure before naming a new boss.

Prior’s ex team-mate Peter Butler says he is keen on the job.

July 2

Echosport reports Blues are in no rush to name a new manager.

July 3

Former Blues midfielder Kevin Maher becomes the bookmakers’ favourite for the job.

July 4

Steve Tilson reveals he is keen to return to Roots Hall for a second stint in charge.

Tilson said: “I feel like I have unfinished busines.”

July 5

Blues’ under 23 coach Craig Fagan also confirms he is keen to be the next manager.

Fagan said: “I’m very happy in my role with the 23s but if the opportunity came up then of course I’d be more than happy to be the manager.”

July 6

Steve Tilson says he would not be put off by the size of the task facing the next manager.

July 7

It is reported former Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark has applied for the job.

July 8

Echosport reports Ron Martin has had more than 30 applicants.

July 9

Former Blues defender Mark Beard is revealed as another applicant for the Blues job.

July 10

Gary Waddock says he thinks Craig Fagan would be a good choice for Blues.

Waddock said: “Craig would be a very good appointment.

“I got to know him really well during my time at the club and I think he would be a really good choice.”

July 11

Ron Martin confirms what he is looking for in his next manager Martin said: “Our profile is a young, hungry, bright and utterly committed individual.

“Success starts with the right attitude and that must come from the top.

“If the manager hasn’t got it then the players won’t either.”

July 12

Millwall boss Gary Rowett says he expects Adam Barrett to stay with the Lions where he is assistant manager.

July 13

Phil Brown tells Echosport he feels Craig Fagan has what it takes to follow in his foot-steps and become the next Blues boss.

Brown said: “Craig’s got excellent people skills and he’s never been frightened to haul people out if he thinks something is happening which shouldn’t be happening.”

July 14

Phil Brown also says he would be interested in coming back to Blues.

“I’ve had no contact from Ron Martin but would I be interested? Absolutely,” said Brown.

July 15

Graham Coughlan backs Kevin Maher to be the next Shrimpers manager.

Coughlan said: “I do think it’s time for Kev to put his head above the parapet.

“He’s loyal to Bristol Rovers but opportunities like this are few and far between and I’m sure he would want it if it’s offered to him.”

But the Echo reports no approach has been made for Maher.

July 16

Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven Reid is revealed as another applicant for the job.

Michael Kightly reveals he wants the next manager to be someone who cares for the club and would like to see Adam Barrett or Dean Austin appointed.

July 17

Ron Martin confirms he is in the process of drawing up a shortlist while Adam Barrett confirms he is happy at Millwall.

Martin said: “We are in the process of preparing a shortlist which will, initially, be followed with a series of Zoom calls over the next few days.

"I too understand Adam is happy at Millwall and fully appreciate why he should be."

July 18

Former Colcester United boss John McGreal is revealed as another applicant.

July 19

Paul Clark says the Shrimpers must decide what they want from their next manager before making an appointment.

Clark said: “I think before they decide who they want they have to decide what they want.”

July 20

Former Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley is revealed as another applicant for the Blues job.

July 21

Ron Martin tells Echosport he has now had more than 60 applicants for the job.

July 22

Barnet boss Darren Currie becomes the bookmakers favourite for the job.

July 23

World Cup winner Fabio Grosso emerges as a surprise applicant for the job.

July 24

Dean Austin, Paul Robinson and Bryan Hughes are also revealed as applicants.

July 25

Former Arsenal midfielder Luis Boa Morte is also revealed as an applicant.

July 26

Mark Molesley is reported for the first time by Echosport as it emerges Blues have been impressed by his work at Weymouth.

July 27

Darren Currie tops an Echosport poll for the job.

July 28

Former Blues and England boss Peter Taylor says he would jump at the chance to help the club in any way.

He also feels the Shrimpers’ manager job is still a good one to get.

July 29

Darren Moore tells Echosport it is a ‘no brainer’ that Craig Fagan should be the next Southend manager.

July 30

Darren Moore says Craig Fagan’s lack of experience should not count against him.

July 31

Echosport reports Blues are still in talks with at least three candidates.

August 1

It is revealed Craig Fagan would have Colin Calderwood as his assistant if he is named Blues boss.

August 2

Ron Martin says he expects to name a new manager in the next week.

Martin said: "I am confident we can build a future off the pitch and now I must choose a manager and support staff who will drive the on pitch performances too.

"I intend to conclude the appointment this week.”

August 3

Craig Fagan tops an Echosport poll on who should be the next Blues boss.

August 4

It is reported Craig Fagan will coach the team for the start of pre-season training and will work alongside Ricky Duncan.

August 5

It is confirmed Darren Currie has not been offered the job, despite reports elsewhere.

August 6

Ron Martin says an appointment is close and hints at the manager being called Mark.

Martin said: “I have some final references to take up, for those candidates I know less well, but expect to have those completed tomorrow.

“This should allow me to button down terms over the weekend.

"As always there are rumours but from what I’ve read none have been near the mark, is that a clue!

August 7

Steve Tilson is ruled out of the race to be Blues’ next boss.

August 8

Barnet boss Darren Currie is also ruled out.

August 9

Ron Martin says he is getting closer to choosing the next manager.

Martin said: "We are now in the final throes of settling contractual terms and expect to announce our man within 48 hours.”

August 10

Harry Redknapp backs Weymouth boss Mark Molesley to be the next Blues boss.

Redknapp told the Echo: “He would be a good fit for Southend.

“He’s hungry and he works his socks off.

August 11

Echosport reports Blues are still in talks with Mark Molesley.

August 12

Weymouth insist they are doing all they can to keep Mark Molesley at the club.

August 13

An Echosport poll reveals 79 per cent of fans would be happy with the appointment of Mark Molesley.

August 14

Mark Molesley is named manager of Southend United.