Town Appoint Di Canio

Swindon Town have today announced the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager on a two year deal, with the option for a third. The Italian has verbally agreed to join and, with the finer details of the agreement to be ironed out, he will be unveiled early next week.

Following relegation from League One and Paul Hart's expected departure three weeks ago, a summer rebuild at the County Ground was expected and the changes look like they will start in the dugout.

Di Canio was one of eight prospective managers shortlisted and subsequently interviewed last week by interim chairman Jeremy Wray for the Town vacancy, with others believed to include George Burley and Dietmar Hamann.

The former West Ham striker, who was working as a pundit in his native Italy, had been keen to move into the dugout for some time although many anticipated his managerial bow to possibly be made higher up the football pyramid, the recent availability of the Upton Park top job only fuelling these views. 

His illustrious play career included spells with Lazio, Juventus, Napoli and Milan, with whom he won the Serie A title, before moving to Celtic in 1996. A two-year spell at Sheffield Wednesday followed before a switch to West Ham in 1999, where he enjoyed huge success and lit up the Premier League, remaining idolised by the Hammers faithful to this day.

Having agreed to take up the reigns at the County Ground, the fiery Italian will be handed the task of masterminding an immediate return to League One, and will almost certainly aid the club's current season ticket initiative, as fans flock to see the star name in action.

Swindon themselves have not been afraid to take gambles in the past, having offered platforms to inexperienced managers such as Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles and Dennis Wise, but if Di Canio's management style is anything like his conduct as a player, fans, players and board members alike can expect an eventful season.