SO, the War of the Succession, it seems, is over - and the England soccer coach's crown passes to Kevin Keegan. He is the people's choice. And it is one blessed by much of the media. But, for all that, King Kev should watch his back for the Fleet Street flatterers.

The soccer media's favourite sport is building up heroes and then knocking them down. Ask Gazza or Graham Taylor. And though he was largely the author of his own misfortune, Glenn Hoddle's getting the heave-ho was assisted by a mighty shove from the killer press gang.

Keegan's glittering career, fuelled by the entertaining football he inspires, now reaches new heights.

But perhaps it also arrives at its most difficult juncture. We wish him luck.

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