When he was appointed the manager of relegated Swindon Town in June 2011,he was excited by the challenge he faced.The appointment was met by a set of positive fans and the board were confident he would do well.
They were correct.Di Canio won the League Two title with Swindon in his first season in charge after a 4-0 final day win.He immediately set his sights higher-and recruited new talent.The vast majority of the new boys were ex-Championship stars.
But there was something ugly about his tenure.
It started with a 3-1 defeat in the cup to Southampton.Swindon player Leon Clarke confronted Di Canio after the match telling him not to 'control him'.It resulted in the management yelling at the striker and sooner rather than later,Clarke left Swindon.
The League One campaign proved to show how controlling and demanding Paolo was becoming.He was sent to the stands numerous times for kicking off on the edge of his technical area.When he was asked about the behaviour by the BBC,he replied furiously,"If I want to kick and rave on the touchline,let me."
In February 2013,Di Canio departed Swindon after falling out badly with the chairman.His stay in Wiltshire will be remembered for its success in winning silverware,but marred by the gaffer's attitude.Swindon did get into the playoff places but didn't get to Wembley.
The next stop for Paolo was to Premier League strugglers Sunderland,who'd sacked Martin O'Neill.The move was mixed between the supporters,who believed Di Canio's fascist attitudes would show through.And they were indeed correct.
Di Canio was demanding even more towards the Black Cats squad.He called every training session 'a World Cup final.'The players responded reclutantly and most left in the summer on frees or on the transfer list due to the fact the were managed by a controlling figure.
Sunderland started off the 2013/14 season badly and got one point from their first seven games.A 3-0 defeat at West Bromich Albion saw fans lash out at Di Canio.He even walked over to speak to them but they wouldn't listen.The morale was low and the players looked miserable.The result was cruel yet one to look ahead for the future-Di Canio was sacked.
Sunderland have to look for their new manager and their sixth since returning to the Premier League.
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