At first it appeared as if he might be a bit of a turn, appearing for training on a muddy pitch in Wellington boots. But from fairly early on it appeared clear that his eccentricity was more of the absent-minded professor variety rather than the hell-raiser.

While Kinnear was a man who carried his badge proudly on his tracksuit top and was a great half time ranter and raver, the Olsen approach was via the blackboard and his carefully calculated tactical schemes. His record with the Norwegian national side was remarkable but the game plan did not adapt to the English domestic game.

Kinnear summed up the difference between the two men in an interview when he said: "It has been said that passion, spirit and commitment are over-rated qualities.

"To me if you don't have these attributes, you should get out of the game. Football is all about passion and spirit. Passion would be the biggest attribute if I was still in the dressing room."

When it came to passion and downright craziness - with zany ploys like holding team talks in the pub, Kinnear enjoyed the backing and "moral" support of then club owner and fanatical Gang supporter Sam Hammam.

For better or worse, those days will never return, although they will continue to be fondly remembered by many.

A Joe return to the Dons next season continues to be the subject of speculation, but that would seem unlikely. Former club skipper Robbie Earle is said to be looking for a player/manager job, but inexperience could rule him out. Peter Taylor of Gillingham is also a name in the frame.

But should the Dons perform a minor miracle and Lady Luck smile on them, securing continued Premiership status, the man currently sitting in the managerial hot seat would surely emerge as favourite for a permanent job.

One way or the other Wimbledon will be seen to have gone for a Burton!