Santini's long road to Tottenham

1969: Joins St Etienne, winning the French title in 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1981, and the Coupe de France in 1975 and 1977.

1981: Leaves St Etienne to finish his career with Montpellier.

1983: Retires from playing and turns to coaching with French Third Division club CA Lisieux, and over the next 12 years coaches Toulouse, Lille, St Etienne and Sochaux before taking a two-year break.

1997: Becomes technical director with Lyon and in 2000 becomes coach.

2001: He leads Lyon to the Coupe de la Ligue.

2002: Lyon win first French title. In July, Santini takes charge of the French national team, replacing Roger Lemerre.

2003: June: France win the Confederations Cup. October: France secure place at Euro 2004 having qualified unbeaten.

2004: 3 June: Santini announces he will take over as Tottenham manager at the end of Euro 2004.