Difficult where to start but what an amazing appointment that has almost taken over the News. Last night I watched the bulletin with various coverage of some of those amazing videos of his time at Swindon and you know what it still gives me a terrific buzz, a sense of pride and boy do I miss the times already. I travel home and away and have watched my beloved STFC over 1,300 games and those 18 months under Di Canio were no doubt some of the best times following Swindon. Some of the things you can expect: 1. A 442 formation. Like to play balls out wide and get crosses into the box. 2. Plays a very "pressing" game, as soon as the opposition get the ball they will be chased in "packs". 3. Can mix the play up as well. Not sure if this suits Sunderland but he would often play a natural left footed winger on the right side. Thus crosses would come deeper and put in with pace. 4. Fitness, Fitness and fitness. Your players will train 7 days a week most weeks. Sunday off if no midweek game. Training sessions are long with lots of fitness. 5. Your players will be going on a "7 day holiday" pre-season to Italy where they will come back the fittest they have ever been. 6. Players will be "together" all celebrating the goals. They will be made a team. 7. "Tippy-Tappy" you will hear alot. Paolo not like too much Tippy- Tappy 8. The attention to detail on the opposition is unbelievable. His passion is unbelievable and usually makes 3 substitutions per game. I have to say during his time at Swindon, he won games that were drifting away due to substitutions. 9. Players will know their role and discipline installed with 100% effort. 10. Never stops attacking for 90 minutes. We conceeded the least amount of goals and scored the most. Some Wonderful memories and some interesting ones 1. Winning Goal in stoppage time with 10 men away at Northampton and he just ran across the pitch to celebrate with "his" players and fans......A proud moment for every Town fan and one to say "I was there". 2. Made Matt Ritchie (the lad who he kicks up the arse - "this was all fun") Div 2 player of the season last year and Div 1 player of the season this year. The sale of this lad behind his back was the reason he quit Swindon. 3. Celebrating a goal against the scum and running down the touchline to celebrate. F**k if you win in a few weeks time !!!! 4. Simply watch him during the game.......Basil Fawlty in motion. He continually talks to the bench, never sits still and is prone to smashing the dugout when something does not go to plan. 5. I hope you get the end of the game ritual. To me this makes him unique. He will make sure all of the players leave the pitch and then casually walk into the middle where he will salute you all. The scarf above his head, beating his chest............This will make you so proud. 6. Not scared to make any subs. Even took our goalkeeper off (by far our best player currently) when 2-0 down at Preston, due to his "body language not being right" the only game we ever got well beaten 4-1. We were dreading a transfer request the next day but he was made to apologise to the fans and was made to sit in the stand. 7. Bust up with Leon Clarke. Put Chairman in a difficult position by saying, him or me next day. Clarke was never seen again. 8. Swindon got through 40 players in 18 months. Granted he signed some ****e to start with but then learnt very quickly. A "foreign" team was almost replaced by home grown UK players (don't start the facist thing....see below). 9. The name Phil Spencer will become well known to you (his trusted friend and agent)......just be a little wary. Expect lots of players coming and going and agents commision will be very high. 10. Swindon beat so many teams from higher divisions in Cups. Wigan last season and Stoke at Stoke this season and Swindon played them off the park. Villa got lucky against us. Plently of Championship skalps as well. About the Man 1. Always has time for the fans. Always talks about the fans, Always respects the hard jobs the ordinary Man has to do to earn money. His "values" here will be often referred to. He lost both his parents last season and will always be greatful how he was treated by the fans. Photo's, Signing, Great with kids...............Top Bloke. 2. I have met him a few times. Twice in his office for chats of over 10 minutes. He comes across a little insecure, wants to be loved but will talk and talk about Sunderland. He will never stop working for your Club. I have never met anyone as passionate in football. Finally This facist thing. Yes we had it when he joined Swindon. Two of my Mates decided not to go. I go to watch football. If any of you are thinking of not going I would urge you to reconsider. Read his biography for one. Don't let this cloud your judgement. You follow your Club, the colours, your history. Support what is on the pitch. Go and talk to him and I am serious here. PDC is unique, no boring folded arms Manager and I believe he would have learnt some valuable lessons during his time as Manager at Swindon. I wish him well and was very sad to see him go. For the record again those who appointed him were removed by the major shareholder and benefactor. PDC remains best of friends now with the ex-Chairman. If he was still at the Club PDC would have honoured his contract. When the Benefactor pulled out with almost no notice, Matt Ritchie was sold, Transfer Embargo and PDC quit, with tears in his eyes at Crawley. The saddest thing was the way he left and that has made a few fans bitter, the fact that he walked out but I can understand his reason. Well a very long post and that I apologise for but I think that gives you are good insight into Paolo Di Canio (Is ******g Paolo ............) remember this. I sincerely hope you stay up now and I for one will start watching MOTD just to see God once again. "Who needs Mourinho when we've got Di Canio" as it goes. PDC leaves a middle aged Man and two young kids still very sad. I treasure my photo's signed shirt and great memories. He will never win Sports Personality of the Year but he could win your hearts and minds but give him a chance...........The Roker Roar will be back at the Stadium of Light for sure. Good luck ............ Ha'way the Lads
Was just about to post this PDC. A good read. The press may hate us at the mo but I believe he's appointment has brought us all belief and given us the passion back for our club. Look how busy the boards been.
Wow. Thats a cracking summary kidda and one that the media should be made to read and print. This is a passionate region for football and sport mate and his enthusiasm has already infected many of us. Is he the right man for the job? Who knows but when I read stuff like this it fills me with a sense of hope and genuine excitement. That he can move fans this way is just what we need. Its going to be fun whatever happens. Good luck to you my canny Robin.
Nice one. I have to say that is one hell of a generous post by the lad. I don't think I would have been so magnanimous if a manager who had had the impact that PDC had at Swindon had left us for someone else.
