I've never believed that Di Canio's supposed fascist beliefs have torpedoed his managerial career, it's one of those things that's not ideal but you get over it. We didn't sack him for it, there was a fuss at first then it died down. Look at Barton, widely known to be a horrible little scrote who assaults anyone he feels like, he still gets work because he's (relatively) good at his job. That's all that matters to a football club. I loved the bloke and wished it worked out for him with us and our players didn't screw him over, but I don't believe he's a good manager. He gave us some great memories nonetheless.
Barton will never manage a club the size of Sunderland ... ... he's at his level now and won't progress.
I was comparing him to other managers who spent their time with us mired in a relegation battle. Arguably, he did better than all of those managers. In reality, all he can be judged on is whether or not he achieved what he was appointed to do. He certainly did that. Personally, due to the situation we were in and the flacidity with which Martin O'Neil had managed us, I think di Canio was the only character that was going to come in and get a reaction out of the players. As to whether or not he was a clown, I think subsequent events at the club show he was very astute with regards to the attitudes amongst the players. As I said before, his greatest failing was that he didn't know what to do with people who weren't as dedicated as him. He's certainly a unique character and I think its his volatility and the fact that he evokes a strong reaction in people, either one way or the other, that has put other clubs off employing him. It certainly can't be due to a lack of enthusiasm or knowledge.
I can't see it either, he's ok for league one but no better. People seem to rate him but I don't know why.
Martin "Fcuk Me" O'Neil.. The manager we all wanted and the gig he always wanted... The worst football I've ever watched (at the time) hahaha
Di Canio bombed out Sessegnon for a pitiful £5m. I’d be interested to see which players he’d lined up.
Funny how everybody has forgotten that Cisse had a perfectly good goal ruled out that would’ve made the score 1-1. He was an absolutely horrendous manager, an attention seeking **** house who didn’t have the first clue about man-management. He should’ve been shown the door following that Spurs game.
The game wouldn't have ended there, we were unstoppable that day ... ... remains one of my favourite ever games. Seems your memory is incredibly selective. "The officials also missed a shirt tug from Taylor which brought Graham to the ground and two handballs against Yanga-Mbiwa." please log in to view this image
He was the type of manager than needed everyone at the club 100% with him, and that was never going to happen here with the players running the place.
So the lads above Di Canio brought all the players in he never asked for but you think it was Di Canio who got rid of Sessegnon.
Not a bad point but we did have different players and you can't help who you inherit when you take over. Look at Keane for instance. He froze out a lot and had a mass clear out. He was backed for this at the time as Quinn put faith in him and we were in the championship. Theres all sorts of connotations and scenarios at certain times for different managers. There's a lot of stories about Keane come out but inevitably you need the players to buy into your philosophy and knuckle down. As much as I loved Keane and di'canio here I think we have the right man for us right now.