• Premier League

Training ground mutiny marked end for Di Canio

ESPN staff
September 23, 2013
Di Canio Dumped


Paolo Di Canio's 175-day reign at Sunderland ended after a furious bust-up between the Italian and several senior players during the inquest into Saturday's 3-0 defeat by West Brom.

Di Canio was sacked as Sunderland head coach with the club bottom of the Premier League after five matches, having overseen just one draw and four defeats so far this season.

Having insisted that he would not quit following Saturday's 3-0 defeat to West Brom, Di Canio delivered another dressing down at Sunday's training session - but a number of players gave as good as they got.

Di Canio was told he was dictatorial and that some players would no longer play for him, according to the Daily Mail.

When news of the confrontation reached chairman Ellis Short, the American felt he had no option but to relieve Di Canio of his duties.

Roberto Di Matteo is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Di Canio, with Gus Poyet, Steve McClaren and Ally McCoist also linked with the role.

The next manager faces the task of gelling a radically overhauled squad after the arrival of 14 players over the summer and upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United.

Kevin Ball will take charge of the first team for Tuesday night's Capital One Cup clash with Peterborough.

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