2034: HALF-TIME
Half-time whistles start to blow around the country. The Cupset-o-meter is registering particularly empty tonight...
2025: Calm down everyone, you don't have to sack your manager by the end of September.
Into the last 10 minutes of the first half though, and we've had plenty of goals so far.
2018: GOAL- Sunderland 1-0 Peterborough - Emanuele Giaccherini (33 mins)
The post-PDC era begins in earnest for Sunderland as they finally take the lead against Peterborough, former Juve man Emanuele Giaccherini getting on to the end of a Lee Cattermole cross to fire home.
2007: SUBSTITUTION- Sunderland 0-0 Peterborough
Peterborough suffer a setback as Lee Tomlin, reportedly a target for Celtic this summer, is forced to leave the field with an injury. Joe Newell replaces the striker. The substitute's first duties are to defend, as a couple of Seb Larsson corners test the Posh defence. Ki sung-Yueng then goes close, heading inches wide.
1958: CLOSE!- Sunderland 0-0 Peterborough
Sunderland coach Kevin Ball
So far so good for Sunderland as the Black Cats make a promising start to life without Paolo Di Canio. Seb Larsson takes an early shot at goal, though his 20-yard effort whizzes wide of the near post.
1946: KICK-OFF
We are under way around the country...
1904: Ian Dennis, BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter
Sunderland v Peterborough (1945 BST)
Paolo Di Canio
"Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne's programme notes on Paolo Di Canio: "when it became obvious it wasn't working we had to take the decision to part company with him.
"We felt it was better to do this now as we ran the risk of being cut adrift at the bottom."
1855: Sunderland v Peterborough (1945 BST)
Aimee Lewis reports: "Kevin Ball is the man in the Sunderland dugout this evening and the Black Cats' development coach is an old hand at crisis management - taking charge for 10 games following Mick McCarthy's departure in 2006. "I enjoyed it last time and I hope I feel the same way about this one," Ball has said.
"But League One Peterborough - scorers of 11 goals in their two League Cup matches this season - are capable of making Ball's second stint a far less enjoyable one."
1849: With seven previous winners on display this evening, there is plenty of League Cup pedigree for us to get excited about.
There's a repeat of last season's FA Cup final as Ben Watson and co take on Manchester City at Eastlands, Paolo Di Canio's old club Swindon host Chelsea and West Ham face Cardiff at Upton Park for the second time in two months.
1847: Sunderland v Peterborough (1945 BST)
A home tie against League One opposition - should Sunderland be unduly worried about tonight's clash with Peterborough? Yes. Yes, of course they should.
Not only have Sunderland only won five games in all competitions in 2013, they are up against a Peterborough side who make Kevin Keegan's Newcastle look conservative.
Relegated from the Championship on the last day of the season despite clocking up a healthy 54 points, Posh have set about life in the third tier in style - smashing in 19 goals in their eight league games so far to lie in second place, only behind the seemingly unstoppable Orient Express.
1845: RETURN OF THE HATCHET
Paolo Di Canio
It's easy to say in hindsight, but the Sunderland-Paolo Di Canio love affair was never going to last was it?
After a whirlwind relationship which lasted six months, 13 matches and three wins; saw 14 players come in and 12 shipped out; and started with the club in 16th place in the Premier League and ended rock bottom, Di Canio has gone.
Exactly where the Black Cats turn next is a question which will rumble on, but first they have handed caretaker manager Kevin 'The Hatchet' Ball the reins for a very, very tricky League Cup tie against in-form Peterborough.
You could say Ball has been given an underhit, bobbly 'hospital pass' here - but that was exactly what he relished as a player [see below]. He'll go in for any 50/50, starting with tonight.
HALF TIME:Sunderland AFC 1 Vs 0 Peterborough United
Live Text Commentary
45:00 +3:06 Half time
Half Time
The match has reached half-time. 45:00 +2:57 Robert Olejnik crosses the ball in from the free kick. 45:00 +2:44 Adam Johnson concedes a free kick for a foul on Kgosi Ntlhe. 45:00 +0:32 Danny Swanson restarts play with the free kick. 45:00 +0:14 John O'Shea gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Britt Assombalonga. 44:12 Jozy Altidore takes a shot and missed to the left of the net. 43:40 Jozy Altidore takes the chance to get an effort at goal and strikes the post. 43:15 Jozy Altidore manages to make a clearance. 43:08 Corner taken by Danny Swanson. 40:55 Gabriel Zakuani manages to make a clearance. 40:51 Adam Johnson produces a cross. 39:31 Danny Swanson takes a shot and cleared the net. 38:20 Tyrone Barnett manages to make a clearance. 38:15 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 36:48 Free kick taken by Michael Bostwick. 36:38 Unfair challenge on Danny Swanson by Sebastian Larsson results in a free kick. 33:12 Shot by Jack Payne missed to the left of the net. 32:00 Lee Cattermole provided the assist for the goal. 32:00 Goal scored
Goal! - Emanuele Giaccherini - Sunderland 1 - 0 Peterboro
Emanuele Giaccherini scores with a left foot finish. Sunderland 1-0 Peterborough. 29:47 Shot by Jozy Altidore cleared the bar.
29:22 Michael Bostwick manages to make a clearance. 28:04 Michael Bostwick makes a clearance. 27:52 A cross is delivered by Jack Colback. 26:13 Joe Newell takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the goal. 25:28 Shot by Emanuele Giaccherini went over the bar. 24:32 Emanuele Giaccherini takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand post. 23:50 Michael Bostwick takes the free kick. 23:34 The referee blows for offside. 22:36 John O'Shea restarts play with the free kick. 22:25 Britt Assombalonga gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jack Colback. 17:00 Header at goal by Craig Gardner misses to the right. 16:43 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 16:12 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 15:44 Jack Colback sends in a cross. 15:03 Clearance made by Britt Assombalonga. 14:54 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line. 14:27 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line. 14:06 Jozy Altidore produces a cross. 13:28 Free kick taken by Robert Olejnik. 13:19 Free kick awarded for a foul by Craig Gardner on Joe Newell. 10:42 Substitution
Substitution
Joe Newell is brought on as a substitute for Lee Tomlin. 9:40 Shot by Michael Bostwick went wide right of the net. 9:36 Free kick taken by Danny Swanson. 6:45 Booking
Booking
6:45 Booking for Sung-Yeung Ki for unsporting behaviour. 6:38 Sung-Yeung Ki challenges Lee Tomlin unfairly and gives away a free kick. 5:53 Jozy Altidore takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Robert Olejnik parries the ball away. 5:01 Sebastian Larsson takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the target. 3:24 Danny Swanson takes a shot. 0:00 The match gets underway.
FULLTIME: Sunderland AFC 2 - Peterborough United 0
Giaccherini 32′ Valentin 74′
Ref: Naylor
Att: 18,126
Live Text Commentary: 90:00 +3:11 Full Time
The match has reached full-time. 90:00 +2:21 Michael Bostwick takes a shot. 90:00 +0:58 Centre by Craig Alcock. 89:13 Nathaniel Mendez-Laing produces a cross. 88:38 Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Sebastian Larsson. Robert Olejnik catches the ball. 87:48 Booking 87:48 Danny Swanson is shown a yellow card. 87:43 Danny Swanson concedes a free kick for a foul on Sebastian Larsson. 86:30 Header by Tyrone Barnett misses right. 86:24 The ball is swung over by Kgosi Ntlhe. 84:35 Substitution Connor Wickham is brought on as a substitute for Jozy Altidore. 82:45 Free kick taken by Robert Olejnik. 82:35 Jozy Altidore is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 82:24 Jack Colback restarts play with the free kick. 82:18 Foul by Danny Swanson on Sebastian Larsson, free kick awarded. 81:39 A cross is delivered by Sebastian Larsson. 81:34 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 81:12 Jozy Altidore has a direct shot on goal from the free kick. 80:41 Substitution
Fabio Borini comes on in place of Emanuele Giaccherini. 80:20 Danny Swanson concedes a free kick for a foul on Sung-Yeung Ki.
79:11 Grant McCann takes the free kick. 79:03 Joe Newell fouled by Lee Cattermole, the ref awards a free kick. 77:30 Craig Alcock sends in a cross. 75:56 Substitution
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is brought on as a substitute for Jack Payne. 74:37 Unfair challenge on Tyrone Barnett by Sebastian Larsson results in a free kick. 74:22 Sebastian Larsson takes the chance to get an effort at goal. 73:09 Goal scored
Goal! - Valentin Roberge - Sunderland 2 - 0 Peterboro
Valentin Roberge scores with a header. Sunderland 2-0 Peterborough. 72:50 Adam Johnson sends in a cross. 72:11 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 69:45 Clearance made by Keiren Westwood. 69:42 Corner taken by Grant McCann from the right by-line. 69:10 Grant McCann restarts play with the free kick. 68:57 Booking 68:57 Adam Johnson is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour. 68:49 Adam Johnson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kgosi Ntlhe. 64:48 Corner taken by Adam Johnson. 63:48 Substitution
Grant McCann joins the action as a substitute, replacing Tommy Rowe. 62:13 A cross is delivered by Jack Colback. 61:16 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 60:35 Substitution
Valentin Roberge comes on in place of John O'Shea. 59:29 Joe Newell takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Keiren Westwood safely holds on. 58:59 Clearance by John O'Shea. 58:56 Corner taken by Danny Swanson. 58:14 The ball is delivered by Craig Gardner. 57:58 Free kick taken by Jack Payne. 57:44 Booking 57:44 Jack Colback booked for unsporting behaviour. 57:23 Unfair challenge on Danny Swanson by Jack Colback results in a free kick. 55:39 Jack Payne takes the free kick. 55:30 Foul by Jozy Altidore on Michael Bostwick, free kick awarded. 53:36 Adam Johnson has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the goal. 52:55 Jack Payne takes the free kick. 52:47 Foul by Lee Cattermole on Tyrone Barnett, free kick awarded. 52:27 Robert Olejnik restarts play with the free kick. 52:11 Jozy Altidore is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 51:32 Keiren Westwood restarts play with the free kick. 51:04 Carlos Cuellar fouled by Britt Assombalonga, the ref awards a free kick. 50:46 Free kick taken by Gabriel Zakuani. 50:42 Foul by Jozy Altidore on Michael Bostwick, free kick awarded. 49:43 Tyrone Barnett gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Craig Gardner. 49:34 Corner taken by Danny Swanson from the left by-line. 48:36 Carlos Cuellar goes into the book. 48:36 Booking 48:31 Foul by Carlos Cuellar on Joe Newell, free kick awarded. 47:52 Clearance made by Tyrone Barnett. 47:46 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 46:55 Jack Payne crosses the ball. 46:40 Free kick taken by Danny Swanson. 46:32 Danny Swanson fouled by Craig Gardner, the ref awards a free kick. 45:01 The referee gets the second half started.
You didn't need to be a soothsayer to see that Di Canio's reign would end in tears
There is a Scott Adams cartoon strip in which Dilbert is bemoaning the fact that he can never remember a name after introductions. ‘Maybe I can use a word-association memory trick,’ he thinks. A new engineer offers his hand. ‘Hi,’ he says. ‘I’m Dee Alamo.’ The final frame shows Dilbert’s blank expression. A think bubble above his head reads: ‘Darn . . . nothing.’
It was much the same when Sunderland appointed Paolo Di Canio. If only there had been some clue, some sign that he was impossibly high-maintenance and unsuited for management at an elite level.
If only he had called his players stupid donkeys, or substituted his goalkeeper after 22 minutes, or invited his critics among the supporters to buy a season ticket with their local rivals. If only he had conducted a long-running feud with the management, threatened to walk out, walked out and then broke back in again in the small hours, forcing the club to change the locks.
f only he had behaved in a way at Swindon Town that would, quite plainly, be ruinous at a major club, with all the added attention and adverse publicity such antics would bring. Of course, he did precisely this. He did everything listed above, and probably more, because what emerges is not usually the half of it.
There was no fire so small that Di Canio could not sprint towards it with a bucket of gasoline. He escaped widespread condemnation only because Swindon do not make headlines. It was obvious that once Di Canio’s behaviour was transported to a significant club, the repercussions would be significant also.
This is not being wise after the event. Last February, in a column about the possibility of Di Canio being a Premier League manager — he was being linked with West Ham United at the time — I wrote:
‘Di Canio’s passion play unfolding in the spotlight could have a ruinous effect on a smaller Premier League club . . . there is a method for achieving success in the Premier League and starring in your very own daily soap opera should never be part of that plan . . .
Premier League managers are as good as under surveillance. In the modern game so much is out of their control that if they go rogue too, the club can quickly descend into chaos . . .
At a smaller Premier League club, confidence and stability are key to survival. Di Canio is wonderful for those who like a show, but whether a leading club can afford to be part of his next psycho-drama is another matter entirely.’
I’m not Nostradamus, it just wasn’t hard to spot. Di Canio the manager had not greatly evolved from Di Canio the player.
Harry Redknapp’s forthcoming autobiography contains several pages of stories about Di Canio’s time at West Ham. All are told with fondness because Redknapp loves Di Canio and rates him as one of the best players he has worked with but, viewed dispassionately, each reveals a selfish personality that was not cut out for life as a high-profile coach.
There is the tale in which Di Canio reacts to mild criticism of his performance by aiming a gigantic barrel of Gatorade drink at a team-mate; the one in which he alone is reluctant to board a plane for an away match because he is not happy with its technical condition; the one where he sits down on the pitch and refuses to play on, in protest at having a succession of penalty appeals turned down.
This last story is among Redknapp’s favourites. In a recent Sky TV interview, his description of Di Canio asking to come off and, when ignored, squatting cross legged on the pitch, immobile, as the game went on around him was priceless.
The punchline is that the fans start singing his name, the ball comes near him, Di Canio rises, inspired, and goes on to win the match.
And that was the difference with this second act. Di Canio, the manager, didn’t have the wit to influence the game as he did as a player.
All Sunderland signed up for was histrionics and hysterics without the redeeming genius. Di Canio could still emote and pose like any old ham — hands on hips attempting a mute, self-serving empathy with the fans after his final game — but he did not have the smarts to be more.
Di Canio always knew what was wrong. He just didn’t know how to fix it. He would talk about the players being unable to defend, or being unfit, uncommitted or having rubbish in their heads, as if he was divorced from the problem.
There is a lot of this in football; a lot of failings identified as if that alone makes them go away. Marking a test paper with a giant F is not the same as educating.
And this is the person around whom Sunderland appeared to build a long-term strategy, with an Italian backroom staff, an Italian director of football and an Italian head of scouting, all at his service.
So, the crisis does not end here, with Di Canio sacked. Short-term managerial whims will affect any club if they are allowed to melt into long-term strategy and Sunderland are not out of the woods.
At Queens Park Rangers, Redknapp inherited the residue of the Neil Warnock era, mixed in with the remains of the Mark Hughes era, and then attempted further changes of his own. The next manager of Sunderland will be the third since March and must find a coherent team out of Martin O’Neill and Di Canio’s regimes. Can Sunderland then afford to indulge his choices, too?
Di Canio brought his backroom team with him, as is correct. There is little point employing a manager without also engaging his support network. The hierarchy of a club, however, should be above short-term projects. Sunderland claim the appointments of Di Canio, Roberto De Fanti (director of football) and Valentino Angeloni (head scout) were not linked, but it is too coincidental that all three share nationality.
A look at some of the names circulating as Di Canio’s replacement suggests options are therefore limited: Roberto Di Matteo was the prime candidate and on the short-list is Gianfranco Zola, another Italian, plus Paul Ince, who played in Italy and speaks the language, and Gus Poyet, who according to Zola learned Italian in six weeks during his time at Chelsea.
There were 14 players purchased in the summer and Sunderland must hope their new manager also shares ideas and values with the recruitment staff that made those recommendations.
Sunderland are not the first Premier League club to create a continental enclave but none did it around a coach as risky and temperamental as Di Canio. Arsene Wenger was plainly at Arsenal for the long haul and Rafael Benitez won the Champions League in his first season at Liverpool, making it probable he would stay to complete a very Spanish-led project.
One imagines Tottenham Hotspur see Andre Villas-Boas finishing what he started, now in the company of Franco Baldini. Yet was Di Canio ever going to last five or 10 years at Sunderland without imploding? How could the directors of the club be so unaware of the likely outcome? And how could they base a hierarchical strategy around the presence of a manager with such a record of instability?
Di Canio’s sacking, it is said, shows the distance between his regime and that of De Fanti and Angeloni. Yet it is unimaginable that they were not consulted, even if owner Ellis Short delivered the news to Di Canio, and chief executive Margaret Byrne took the calls from disgruntled players that precipitated the end.
So this was a face-saving exercise. The only way De Fanti and Angeloni remain in credit is if they can persuade the owner that the poor form this season is wholly down to the personality of the manager, not the quality of their signings.
As ever, the director of football has 10 years, the manager 10 matches.
It is a mess, and an avoidable one. Sunderland must now hope that Di Canio’s successor does not share his dismal view of the players De Fanti bought, or does not have another 14 good ideas of his own for the next transfer window.
For that is a dangerous road and quickly runs downhill all the way, as QPR discovered.
Give me the job! Caretaker Ball fancies a crack at Sunderland vacancy after winning start against Peterborough
Kevin Ball has asked to be considered as a candidate to replace Paolo Di Canio as Sunderland manager.
The man asked to take temporary charge of the Black Cats in the wake of the Italian's departure on Sunday night guided them to a 2-0 Capital One Cup third round victory over League One Peterborough, and then revealed he would like the job on a full-time basis.
Ball said: 'Anybody who is anybody would like to be considered for it. In the sense of what I have done as a coach or a player and not only that, my qualifications I have gone out and got as a coach, I would like to be considered.
'But ultimately, that's the club's decision and I would go with that, whether it was me or someone else, they would have my full support.'
Owner Ellis Short is understood to have drawn up a shortlist of potential successors to Di Canio, with former Brighton manager Gus Poyet having replaced Roberto Di Matteo at the head of the bookmakers' field.
Tony Pulis, Steve McClaren and Gianfranco Zola also figure prominently with Ball considered an outsider before his post-match comments.
However, the players Ball inherited from Di Canio could not have done a great deal more to further his application with a confident display against Darren Ferguson's men at the Stadium of Light.
Summer signing Emanuele Giaccherini, who had been substituted at half-time in Saturday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at West Brom, fired the Black Cats into a deserved 32nd-minute lead from Lee Cattermole's cross.
But Sunderland had to wait until 17 minutes from time to cement the win when substitute Valentin Roberge headed home from Adam Johnson's delivery.
Ball was delighted with the way the men he selected responded to his call to arms, and was particularly pleased with Cattermole's contribution after he spent the summer training with his development squad after being told he had no future with the club.
The temporary boss said: 'I thought he put in an excellent performance, along with a lot of others as well.
'I just thought it was a really good performance in the sense that they worked very hard, but also played some good football and created a lot of chances as well.
'We also have to give credit to Peterborough because they came up with a decent game-plan - you can see why they are doing very well at the moment and we wish them all the best as well.'
Sunderland 2 Peterborough United 0 match report: Sunderland celebrate Paolo Di Canio’s exit with a show of unity in Capital One Cup
Caretaker manager Kevin Ball dropped four players from the weekend defeat to West Brom for Capital One Cup clash
They came from every corner of the field. Wherever you looked, red and white shirted footballers ran at pace to celebrate a third round Capital One Cup goal against League One Peterborough United with Emanuele Giaccherini. The right back, the left back, the centre halves, players on the wing, all moving in unison to jump on the goalscorer. The distance did not matter.
Formerly beleaguered Premier League players stood in united celebration next to the goal of Bobby Olejnik. Every single one of them, bar the goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, was there. It was a celebration that made a statement. It was a celebration that told everyone in Sunderland what the players thought of the manager who was sacked after a row too many on Sunday night. No more Di Canio. They could not hide the relief.
That the scorer was Giaccherini, a player who was substituted at half-time in Sunderland's defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and later clashed with Di Canio after the game, added to the intensity of the celebration. As did the fact the goal's creator was Lee Cattermole, another who rowed with the manager in the heat of the Hawthorne's visiting dressing room, when the misdirection of a football club changed. He had already been stripped of the club's captaincy for questioning the manager's abrasive style.
When the goal came, their first opportunity to show outwardly the inner dislike and turmoil, they took it. It added to the sense the players had not just scored against Peterborough, but their former manager as well.
Di Canio's treatment of his players was called a 'systematic destruction of their self esteem and self worth,' by an insider at the club to the Independent.
It was a goal despite Di Canio, almost to spite Di Canio.
At the half-time whistle, Adam Johnson, who had warned the former manager last week that he risked killing the players' confidence with his confrontational methods, turned as he walked off the field towards the dugouts and applauded all of his team-mates.
By the finish, the substitute Valentin Roberge had scored with a late header but this was no highlight reel victory. It was not about beating Peterborough, more about exorcising some of the demons that have befallen the players. What happens for the rest of this season will define much of their reputations, damaged as they currently are, rightly or wrongly, like the football club and the city they represent.
Losing to Peterborough was unthinkable, but the thought had clearly been there that it was possible.
Kevin Ball, care-taking his football club for the second time, dropped four of the players who started at West Bromwich Albion. Three of those had been bought in the summer. Cattermole was back, Carlos Cuellar was back, Seb Larsson was back. It looked more like Martin O'Neill's team than Di Canio's, although two of those were Steve Bruce signings. They are doing way too much change at Sunderland and it never works.
What did tonight was a sense of spirit.
Margaret Byrne, the chief executive, who, along with the owner Ellis Short, and the director of football Roberto de Fanti, must attempt to redeem themselves with the next appointment, spoke of her disappointment that Di Canio had failed. “After Paolo saved us from relegation, we gave him an opportunity to take the club forward this season,” she said in her programme notes. “When it became obvious it wasn't working, we had to take the decision to part company with him.”
That the decision has drawn unequivocal backing from the dressing room was undeniable. It was everywhere you looked tonight.
Gus Poyet keen on replacing Paolo Di Canio at Sunderland
Gus Poyet has made it clear to Sunderland’s owner Ellis Short that he is keen to take on the challenge of rejuvenating the team after Paolo Di Canio’s short but ill-fated reign as manager.
Poyet has told Short that he has no qualms about moving to the North East following his departure from Brighton and Hove Albion over the summer, and rather than worry about the damage done to morale by Di Canio, he is convinced he can fix it while gelling 14 new signings into a team good enough to pull clear of relegation danger.
Talks are understood to have already taken place with the Uruguayan, although Short has indicated previously that he wants to take his time making a decision as he had been stung by how spectacularly his gamble on Di Canio backfired.
This will be Short’s third managerial appointment since he became Sunderland owner in 2010 and the American is expected to speak to other interested parties in the next 48 hours.
It has been suggested that the job is Poyet’s to turn down although Sunderland’s official line last night was that this is “premature” and they will continue to look at other candidates.
Steve McClaren and Tony Pulis are two British managers who would like to be given the chance to share their ideas, but Watford manager Gianfranco Zola and early favourite Robert Di Matteo appear to be out of the running.
“As of today, there has been no contact with Sunderland,” said Zola’s lawyer Fulvio Marrucco.
“He is engrossed in the Watford project and I can confirm that as things stand he would certainly not take into consideration any job part-way through the season.”
Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne used her programme notes for the Capital One Cup tie against Peterborough last night to say that it had “become obvious it wasn’t working” with Di Canio and that it was “better to part company now” than “risk being cut adrift at the bottom of the Premier League”.
The relief among the players was obvious and they delivered their best performance of the season with the man Di Canio stripped of the captaincy, Lee Cattermole, superb in the centre of midfield.
The whole team, though, played as if a huge burden had been lifted off their shoulders and caretaker manager Kevin Ball was visibly proud of overseeing such an impressive response to the drama of the last few days. He admitted he, too, would like to be considered for the job.
“It started in training yesterday when we spoke to the players,” he said. “To come up with a performance like that, particularly Lee Cattermole who hasn’t played a lot of football, was great.
“They were fine mentally, I can’t talk about what happened before I stepped into the breach.
“The players responded in the right manner. They just want to go out there and do the best they can. That’s the way it should be.
“I’ve no idea how long I’ll be in charge for. At the moment, I’ve been told until Sunday, but it might be longer. I think anybody who is anybody would want to be considered, as a coach I’d like to be, but if they go with someone else they will have my full support.”
The Daily Telegraph exposed the full extent of the player revolt that led to Di Canio’s sacking this week, and while some have questioned their behaviour it is a rebellion wholeheartedly backed by Sunderland’s former chairman Niall Quinn.
“When you’re in a battle you need a leader who you all look up to and want to go into a fight with,” Quinn told Talksport. “Paolo Di Canio was ducking out of the battle by blaming the players and saying what a great manager he was.
“When you say all that publicly it’s bad enough, but can you imagine what was going on in the dressing room after those defeats?
“Most of his new signings felt this way as well so it’s not like there was a bad element there. It was very brave of the players to do what they did.”
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has expressed his surprise at the departure of Di Canio, which means he will face his fourth Sunderland manager when the two teams meet next month in the Tyne-Wear derby.
He does not think there will be any shortage of interest in the vacancy.
“I think this will be my fourth manager that I have played against and I have only been here 3½ years,” Pardew said.
“I am not gloating in any shape of form by the way. I am just saying it is a fact that it’s a tough job up here for Sunderland and Newcastle. But if the new manager can get that place moving, it’s a great club.”
Blackpool manager Paul Ince ‘could be looked at as Sunderland’s Paolo Di Canio’s successor
Round-up of football headlines from clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Wigan
THE SUN - Luis Suarez returns from his 10-game biting ban tomorrow with Brendan Rodgers insisting: “He’s hungrier than ever.” Also: Jose Mourinho has challenged Chelsea stars Juan Mata and David Luiz to prove themselves tonight - at League One minnows Swindon... Sunderland owner Ellis Short insists he will take his time to pick Paolo Di Canio’s replacement. Wenger still has a £50m transfer pot to spend at Arsenal even after paying £42.5m for 24-year-old midfielder Mesut Ozil.
DAILY MAIL - David Moyes, still coming to terms with the reality of managing Manchester United following Sunday’s dire derby demolition, is heading into another potentially damaging clash with Liverpool - and Luis Suarez. Also: Theo Walcott is facing a race against time to be fit for England’s make-or-break World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland... Chelsea duo Juan Mata and David Luiz have the chance to prove a point to boss Jose Mourinho against Swindon tonight. Blackpool manager Paul Ince could be looked at by Black Cats officials as Di Canio’s successor. Manager Owen Coyle has blamed TV schedules for the fact Wigan will have to play a weakened team against Manchester City on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup just two days after their Championship game with Ipswich.
THE TIMES - Luis Suarez accepts he is indebted to Liverpool’s supporters as he prepares to make his return from a 10-match suspension after a summer in which he attempted to force his way out of Anfield, according to Brendan Rodgers.
THE INDEPENDENT - Paolo Di Canio’s 175-day reign of fear at Sunderland was ended because of the “systematic destruction of the players’ self-esteem and self-worth”, The Independent can reveal. Also: Wayne Rooney has bluntly declared that his side’s display in the Manchester derby on Sunday - from which only he emerged with any credit from the United camp - was simply “not good enough”. Also: “We will see, we will see,” Brendan Rodgers said yesterday, when asked whether Luis Suarez, who is in line to return for Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow night after completing a 10-game suspension, has learned lessons from the consequences of biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic at Anfield on April 21. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he does not know when forward Theo Walcott, 24, will be fit to return from a stomach problem.
DAILY STAR - Sunderland face a fight to persuade Roberto Di Matteo to return to management. Also: Juan Mata has accepted Jose Mourinho’s criticism - and is ready to knuckle down at Chelsea... Nemanja Vidic has ordered Manchester United to show their mettle and put some pride back in their faltering season. Bristol City are interested in signing winger Luke Freeman, 21, in a £300,000 deal from League One rivals Stevenage.
Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, 21, is wanted on loan by MK Dons and Swindon.
DAILY MIRROR - Gianfranco Zola is the shock name on Sunderland’s managerial shortlist... Roberto Martinez claims a new deal for Leighton Baines has been put aside - but insists the left-back will be rewarded for staying at Everton... Samir Nasri revealed his delight at taking “revenge” on Manchester United with the 4-1 derby win. Everton have ‘put aside’ a new deal for Manchester United target Leighton Baines, 28, but manager Roberto Martinez promises a contract will be sorted for the defender. Sunderland want Watford boss Gianfranco Zola to succeed fellow Italian Paolo Di Canio as manager.
THE GUARDIAN - As Sunderland compiled a shortlist of potential replacements for the sacked Paolo Di Canio it emerged that the two names likely to loom large in the club’s thoughts have serious reservations about the post. Unemployed duo Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet, contenders to replace Di Canio, have serious reservations.
Juan Mata will have an opportunity to demonstrate he is worthy of greater involvement in the Chelsea first team when the Spain international begins tonight’s Capital One Cup tie at Swindon.
DAILY TELEGRAPH - Paolo Di Canio was sacked as Sunderland manager after a player rebellion of unprecedented scale in this country led to several indicating they would refuse to play for him again, which made it impossible for him to remain in charge of the team. Also: Wembley is poised to halve the commitment required by debenture holders after its managing director admitted defeat in his attempt to convince enough people to renew their decade-long contracts... Liverpool are prepared to delay contract talks with defender Glen Johnson, despite the England full-back entering the final two years of his Anfield contract. Liverpool are prepared to wait before offering Glen Johnson, 29, a new contract despite the defender entering the final two years of his current deal.
DAILY EXPRESS - Ellis Short finally decided that Paolo Di Canio had become “unmanageable” after a delegation of senior players insisted they could no longer work under his bizarre regime. Wayne Rooney has warned his Manchester United team-mates to learn the lessons of their stuttering derby loss as David Moyes considers his first shake-up since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sunderland in turmoil as Paolo Di Canio's myth as a manager is laid bare
LET US start by debunking the myth that Paolo Di Canio kept Sunderland in the Premier League last season.
That is the belief the club’s hierarchy cling to as they seek to justify appointing the Italian they sacked on Sunday.
But it is tosh. Sunderland stayed up because Wigan imploded.
With their eyes fixed on Wembley and their hearts set on winning the FA Cup, Wigan took only two points from four games in April, and won just once in their last eight league fixtures.
The Black Cats stayed up by three points but finished a place lower than when Di Canio first strutted in, talking about himself far too much and in the third person.
The final weeks of Martin O’Neill’s reign were grim, and the trajectory was downwards. But they should have been persuade that O’Neill would turn it around.
Yet Sunderland ditched a man who won 13 trophies as a manager and appointed one who had only won League Two plus a fight with one of his Swindon players.
One early cameo at Sunderland convinced me that Di Canio was too fond of himself.
It came before his finest moment, the 3-0 win at Newcastle.
The players had been out, warmed up, gone back in, completed their last-minute preparations, paraded out on to the field once more, conducted the Premier ritual of shaking hands with the opposition and were readying themselves for kick-off.
Di Canio, left hand stuffed into the trousers of his suit, chin jutting and right hand beckoning imperiously, called the nearest player over to the technical area. It was Adam Johnson.
Di Canio spoke in his ear for several moments and then waved him on to the pitch with another theatrical gesture.
What did he say that could not have been said earlier? Nothing. The whole show was for the benefit of the audience.
Like so much that Di Canio did, it was designed to demonstrate his importance and self-imagined genius. Like so much that Di Canio did, it was an illusion and a delusion.Down the decades I have heard many new managers denigrate the work of the men they succeeded. For instance, when Gerry Francis became Spurs boss and garnered some decent results, he was asked if he had changed any of the training.
Despite the changes in personnel and ethos, this season’s results have been truly shocking.
“Yes”, he said. “I’ve introduced running.”
By speaking derogatorily of their predecessors, managers seek to give themselves alibis in case things go wrong but ensure they get the credit if things go well. Di Canio took this nasty, mean trait to new levels. On arrival he said Sunderland’s players were not fit. They were arrogant and ignorant. The club needed different players who knew how to behave and had a “professional ethic”. So he brought in a ferry-load of Italians for the staff and for the team.
And he introduced petty rules. Despite the changes in personnel and ethos, this season’s results have been truly shocking. Played five, one solitary point. So Di Canio rounded on the players again, infamously questioning the professionalism of John O’Shea, who appeared very nearly 400 times for Manchester United.
And the manager stressed, repeatedly, the players did not have the mentality he, the mighty Paolo, possessed. Not only does Di Canio sport a tattoo supporting Benito Mussolini, he has the same reliance on the cult of personality, the same need to rule by fear and the same swaggering self-belief as the Fascist leader.
Which brings us to Di Canio’s politics. He has espoused support for a racist, totalitarian and brutal political belief.
Yet chief executive Margaret Byrne expressed surprise when journalists wanted Di Canio to tell us whether he was still a fascist. Media and communications manager Louise Wanless even complained that I had a vendetta against the club.
I didn’t and I don’t. It is not about Margaret Clueless. It is not about Louise Wanless. It is about Paolo Winless.
It was madness to appoint him and some of us could see it straight away.
Gus Poyet in talks with Sunderland over manager's job
Sky Sports understands Sunderland have begun talks with Gus Poyet over their vacant manager's job.
The former Brighton boss was always considered one of the favourites to replace Paolo di Canio in the Wearside hotseat.
Di Canio was sacked on Sunday night, the day after their 3-0 defeat to West Brom which left them bottom of the Premier League with one point from their opening five games.
It later emerged that senior Black Cats players had complained to the club's hierarchy about the fiery Italian's behaviour.
Kevin Ball has been appointed as caretaker manager and he guided Sunderland to a 2-0 win over Peterborough in the Capital One Cup third round on Tuesday night.
Ball has stated that wants the job on a permanent basis, and he will take charge of the team again this weekend when they face Liverpool.
Sunderland caretaker manager Kevin Ball says his players enjoyed their first match without Paolo Di Canio in charge.
Ball told Sky Sports News: "Anybody who is anybody would like to be considered for it.
"In the sense of what I have done as a coach or a player and, not only that, my qualifications I have gone out and got as a coach, I would like to be considered.
"But, ultimately, that's the club's decision and I would go with that, whether it was me or someone else, they would have my full support."
Sunderland owner Ellis Short has insisted he will not rush the appointment, having sacked Di Canio after just 175 days and 13 matches in charge.
The veteran Crystal Palace forward said: "Speaking as a player that's played under many managers over the years, once you lose that dressing room you lose your players - they don't trust you.
"I think the chairman and the board had no choice but to relieve Paolo of his job and duties, because in this day and age I believe that man management is more important than actual tactics on the pitch and I think there wasn't any of the at the Stadium of Light.
"Once you lose that dressing room you're on a hiding to nothing. I would certainly say that with the regime he was running there, allegedly.
"If you believe everything you read - banning smiling, staff aren't allowed to talk to players, no tomato ketchup, no coffee - I don't believe you can do that in this day and age.
"You're talking about fully-grown men that have got their own families - you can't treat them like kids. You have to treat them like adults and I believe Di Canio's style doesn't work for me in the Premier League."
The Black Cats were derided for sacking their manager just five games into the new season but, in truth, they never expected the volatile Italian to be a long-term appointment
Sunderland have been widely derided for giving Paolo Di Canio the platform for one of the most volatile managerial reigns in Premier League history.
There has been no shortage of critics to question the club’s logic in appointing a combustible Italian with a mediocre coaching CV, an ego that exceeds his considerable playing talent and whose man-management skills seem restricted to scaring the living daylights out of his players and staff.
Yet Sunderland sources have said that there was never any great expectation among club chiefs that Di Canio’s reign would be a lengthy and trouble-free one.
“He did the job we wanted him to do last season,” one insider told Goal. “He kept us up. We knew it could all unravel at some point but the most important thing was maintaining our Premier League status.”
The gratitude extended to Di Canio was widespread on Wearside last season, even if it should be noted that Sunderland were 16th when he arrived and 17th when the campaign ended.
Yet he briefly energised the players, steered the team to a pivotal 3-0 victory over rivals Newcastle United when the club’s top-tier position was in the balance and gave those in the media business some of the most captivating copy any could remember. He pulled off the impressive feat of making Joe Kinnear look colourless and uninteresting by comparison.
For Sunderland, Di Canio was only ever a short-term fix. He provided a sticking plaster for a weeping wound and, once it had healed, he lacked the bedside manner and all-round skills to soothe the other cuts and bruises.
The board, led by American owner Ellis Short and youthful chief executive Margaret Byrne, have been criticised for ignoring Di Canio’s fascist sympathies at a club with deep roots in a working-class community, and for failing to properly research the Italian’s character and coaching style.
There is much justification for the former. Sunderland were naïve, at best, in overlooking Di Canio’s political beliefs.
However, sources say club chiefs knew they were taking a gamble in appointing Di Canio, whose only previous experience came in the lower leagues with Swindon Town. They did not anticipate he would alienate the playing staff quite so quickly but nor was there the expectation that he would be blowing out 10 candles on his Sunderland anniversary cake in 2023.
Short, who made his millionaire fortune in hedge funds, would also have calculated that the package pay-off for Di Canio, who only signed a two-and-a-half-year contract when he was appointed, is minimal compared to the windfall from being a Premier League club in the first season of the mammoth new broadcasting deal, when the bottom-placed team are guaranteed £20million more than last season.
Sunderland believe that, by dismissing Di Canio with 33 league matches remaining, the club have minimised the damage to their campaign and allowed the new man, expected to be Gus Poyet, plenty of time to address the team's failings.
Di Canio's successor will have to gel the 14 new signings from the summer into the team but the players were signed by Roberto Di Fanti, the director of football, not the former manager.
Di Canio was merely responsible for identifying the squad position he wanted to improve and the type of player for the role, but it was his countryman, a former agent, who selected the individual players.
As with most clubs who utilise this continental-style model, the responsibility of the head coach, a title that Di Canio was happy with, is to get the best possible results from the talent pool at his disposal.
Sunderland deemed Di Canio to have ultimately failed in that respect and, following a dressing room rebellion at his methods, made a quick kill to limit the long-term damage.
SHORT-TERM APPOINTMENT: DI CANIO'S PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
GAMES PLAYED 12
WON 2
DRAWN 3
LOST 7
GOALS FOR 11
GOALS AGAINST 22
WIN PERCENTAGE 17%
Premier League - Match facts: Sunderland v Liverpool
Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have scored only 12 goals in 24 Barclays Premier League meetings with Liverpool.
Seven of Liverpool’s last nine Barclays Premier League goals have been scored from Daniel Sturridge.
Sunderland have won only three of their 24 Barclays Premier League games against Liverpool but all three victories have come at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last nine Premier League games.
The Reds are unbeaten in six Premier League games away from Anfield (W4 D2), last losing on the road in March to Southampton.
Liverpool are the only team yet to score in the second half in the Premier League this season.
Livepool’s Simon Mignolet has made more saves than any other goalkeeper this season (25).
Former Sunderland glovesman Mignolet has a saves to shots ratio of 89%, the second best rate of regular ‘keepers this season.
His replacement at Sunderland Keiren Westwood has a saves to shots rate of 54%, the lowest of any keeper to feature in all five games this season.
Eight of Sunderland’s last 10 Premier League home games have seen three goals or fewer scored.
Pacy loanee Victor Moses is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance.
Sunderland’s next home league encounter sees the Black Cats welcome Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool to the Stadium of Light.
Tickets for the game, which will take place on Sunday 29th September (KO 4pm) are on sale now.
Seats range from £12 for under 16’s, £23 for over 65’s and £27 for adults.
Purchases can be made via the ticket credit card hotline on 0871 911 1973, in person at Stadium of Light ticket office, or online.
Tickets are subject to a booking fee and are all sold subject to conditions of issue and ground regulations which are available on request.
Supporters can take also advantage of the club’s ‘print at home’ facility, which is available for all home games, allowing them to book match tickets online and simply print off a barcoded e-ticket, which is then presented at the turnstiles in the same way as a standard ticket.
Ferguson Jnr admits surprise at Di Canio sacking ahead of Capital One Cup clash
Darren Ferguson has admitted his surprise at Sunderland's decision to part company with Paolo Di Canio as he prepares to take his Peterborough side to the Stadium of Light in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
In-form Posh will be looking to increase the misery on Wearside on Tuesday night but Ferguson will instead now be going head-to-head in the technical area with Black Cats caretaker boss Kevin Ball.
Sunderland's sole victory this season has come in this competition after they staged a late turnaround to see off MK Dons 4-2 in the last round.
And the managerless outfit are guaranteed another tough task against a Sky Bet League One side who have won eight of their 10 games to date, including respective 5-1 and 6-0 victories over Colchester and Reading in the Capital One Cup.
Speaking about Di Canio's departure, boss Ferguson told Posh Player on the club's official website:'It doesn't affect me, it may affect Sunderland.
'Generally, when there's a change of manager in the short-term normally there is a reaction, for whatever reason. Whether it's going to make a difference I don't know, you'll find out on Tuesday night.
'I was quite surprised, I have to say, he's only been there six months so I think most people would probably, even though the results haven't been going well, I thought he'd be there longer than that.'
Ferguson added: 'We've got to go there and make sure we put on a good performance, the aim is to go and try to get through, otherwise there's no point turning up, really.
'We know it's going to be a tough game, they've got some really, really good players but we know on our night we can give teams a game and we're going to have to perform right at the top of our game to get through the tie.'
Another League One team travelling to Premier League opposition on Tuesday night are Bristol City, who face Southampton at St Mary's.
The Robins are a side who have played their best football in the cup this season, winning all three matches including a 2-1 victory over top-flight Crystal Palace in the last round, although they have not enjoyed success in any of their opening eight league matches.
And manager Sean O'Driscoll knows his side are facing a tall order against a Saints outfit who won 1-0 at Liverpool on Saturday.
'You're talking about Premier League quality so they'll be fluid with the ball, they went to Anfield on Saturday and restricted a free-flowing Liverpool team from getting into their rhythm,' he told Bristol City Player.
'They're going to make wholesale changes, they did in the last round against Barnsley and they still managed to put five past a Championship team. I would imagine they could make more changes against us but the task will still remain a difficult one.
'It's one which we've got to come out of with hopefully some positives regardless of what result it may be.'
Wigan and Swindon also face top-flight opposition in the shape of Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, while Huddersfield go to Hull and Gianfranco Zola's Watford play host to Norwich.
The Hornets' Scotland international Ikechi Anya said: 'We're looking forward to it. It's a great game against Premier League opposition; people want to show that they're Premier League quality, so it'll be very good whatever team the gaffer picks.'
Meanwhile, there are two all-Championship ties as Leicester play host to east midlands rivals Derby and Burnley welcome Nottingham Forest.
League Cup (Capital one) Forth Round Draw
Played the 28th October 2013
Sunderland vs. Southampton
Leicester City vs. Fulham
Birmingham City vs. Stoke City
Manchester United vs. Norwich City
Burnley vs. West Ham United
West Bromwich Albion or Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Hull City Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
Sunderland (1) 2–0 Peterborough United (3)
West Ham United (1) 3–2 Cardiff City (1)
Manchester City (1) 5–0 Wigan Athletic (2)
Burnley (2) 2–1 Nottingham Forest (2)
Southampton (1) 2–0 Bristol City (3)
Swindon Town (3) 0–2 Chelsea (1)
Watford (2) 2–3 (aet) Norwich City (1)
Aston Villa (1) 0–4 Tottenham Hotspur (1)
Hull City (1) 1–0 Huddersfield Town (2)
Leicester City (2) 2–1 Derby County (2)
Fulham (1) 2–1 Everton (1)
Manchester United (1) 1–0 Liverpool (1) Newcastle United (1) 2–0 Leeds United (2)
West Bromwich Albion (1) 1-1 (aet) Arsenal
Tranmere Rovers (3) 0–2 Stoke City (1)
Birmingham City (2) 3–1 Swansea City
Gus Poyet is Sunderland's WORST choice as manager, according to Football Manager
The blockbuster football management sim has had its say, and Poyet falls behind his competitors for the Stadium of Light job
The favourite for Sunderland's vacant managerial position would be the WORST man for the job, according to Football Manager.
As revealed by MirrorSport this week, Gus Poyet was installed as favourite for the job after Roberto De Fanti made him his first-choice to replace the outbound Paolo Di Canio.
While the Uruguayan is now sweating on owner Ellis Short's approval , our simulation of the 2013-14 season suggests that the former Brighton boss would in fact be the worst option of the leading candidates!
However, he would be able to keep the struggling Black Cats afloat, with them finishing 16th after a solid second half of the season.
Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo both outperformed Poyet - finishing in 14th place.
By Ed Malyon 2 Comments
Gus Poyet is Sunderland's WORST choice as manager, according to Football Manager
26 Sep 2013 15:39
The blockbuster football management sim has had its say, and Poyet falls behind his competitors for the Stadium of Light job
Gus is none too pleased by the revelations emerging from Sports Interactive HQGus is none too pleased by the revelations emerging from Sports Interactive HQ
The favourite for Sunderland's vacant managerial position would be the WORST man for the job, according to Football Manager.
As revealed by MirrorSport this week, Gus Poyet was installed as favourite for the job after Roberto De Fanti made him his first-choice to replace the outbound Paolo Di Canio.
While the Uruguayan is now sweating on owner Ellis Short's approval , our simulation of the 2013-14 season suggests that the former Brighton boss would in fact be the worst option of the leading candidates!
However, he would be able to keep the struggling Black Cats afloat, with them finishing 16th after a solid second half of the season.
Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo both outperformed Poyet - finishing in 14th place.
Gus Poyet
Sigames
*Gets off to a good start with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool followed by a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Went on a dismal run of 2 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats until the New Year.
*Wes Brown becomes unhappy at the club during this time and Poyet is forced to rotate between O’Shea, Diakite and Roberge.
Spends £8 million on Marco Storari and James Tomkins to strengthen his defensive options.
*Loses just 7 games from January until the end of the season to *lead Sunderland to 16th place finish.
*Run includes wins over Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle and Everton.
*By the end of the season Giaccherini, Altidore and Colback have handed in transfer requests.
*Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore are joint top scorers with 9 goals each.
Gianfranco Zola
Opens up with a draw against Liverpool and defeat to Man United.
Fares better than Poyet in the run up to Christmas with 4 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats.
Doesn’t sign anyone in January after a failed bid for Ashley Williams.
Loses 8 games in the second half of the season but wins 6 and draws 5 to keep consistent enough form to stay up.
Sunderland finish the season in 14th.
Zola makes much more use of Fabio Borini than Poyet and is rewarded with 7 goals from the Italian.
Zola records victories over West Ham, West Brom, Fulham, Villa, Swansea and Spurs.
Jozy Altidore finishes as top scorer with 10 goals.
Roberto Di Matteo
Sigames
Starts off with a win against Liverpool but wins just twice more before Christmas.
Does manage to draw 6 games in that time as well.
Sells Diakite in January for £3.5 million and brings in Scott Dann for £5 million as a replacement.
Sunderland remain unbeaten throughout January to propel them into 13th place before being inconsistent until the end of the season.
2 draws and a win in the final month lead them to 14th place.
Di Matteo plays both Giaccherini and Borini more frequently than both Poyet and Zola and gets them scoring with 10 and 8 goals respectively.
Giaccherini finishes as the top scorer with 10 goals.
Paolo Di Canio Sacked By Sunderland: Is Ellis Short The Biggest Villain Of The Piece?
It was an unlucky 13 for Paolo di Canio, who lasted just that many games before Sunderland's board sacked the Italian on Sunday night.
The first Premier League managerial departure of the season, the only surprise of Di Canio's reign is that he was appointed in the first place. Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has arguably emerged worse from the brief and fraught era for granting Di Canio a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Di Canio's Fascist past caused huge uproar when he was announced as Martin O'Neill's successor and having made drastic changes to the backroom and playing staff, he has "parted company" after just five Premier League games this season.
Di Canio won just three games with Sunderland
Thirteen (that number again) players were brought in during a summer of upheaval which was more chaotic than calm. Di Canio even said many of his players' lack of English was driving him "crazy".
"I need British players," said the then Sunderland boss. "I need the quality, the intensity. I need the fire."
Not one of Di Canio's 13 signings was British.
He won just three matches on Wearside, two of them in the league. Victories at Newcastle and against Everton in April saved the Black Cats from relegation but their only triumph this term is a League Cup win over MK Dons.
It seemed Di Canio's curtain call came when he confronted Sunderland fans at the end of their gutless loss at West Brom on Saturday. He stared and gesticulated at Mackems in a woeful attempt at player-manager communication.
"I won't change," he vowed after the game, and that perhaps convinced Short to sack a third Sunderland manager in less than two years.
Premier League: Sunderland play host to Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.
Managerless Sunderland play host to Liverpool at the Stadium of Light, live on Super Sunday, still seeking their first Premier League win of the season.
Kevin Ball takes charge of his first Premier League game as Sunderland caretaker boss following the sacking of Paolo Di Canio last Sunday.
Di Canio was axed last week 24 hours after the 3-0 defeat to West Brom left the Wearside club rooted to the bottom of the table.
Sunderland have just one point from their first five league outings and Ball will be hoping to boost his chances of landing the manager's job on a permanent basis with a positive result against Liverpool.
Liverpool travel to Wearside aiming to get back to winning ways after two straight defeats to Southampton in the Premier League and Manchester United in the Capital One Cup.
The gloss to Liverpool's impressive start to the season has been taken off in the last few weeks and Brendan Rodgers will be keen to see them get back to winning ways at the Stadium of Light as they strive to keep pace with the leading pack.
Sunderland
Sunderland will be without star striker Steven Fletcher after he injured his shoulder in last weekend's defeat to West Brom.
It means Jozy Altidore is expected to lead the attack and he could be supported by Emanuele Giaccherini, who scored in the midweek Capital One Cup win over Peterborough.
Defensive duo Wes Brown (calf) and Phil Bardsley (foot) remain sidelined as they work their way back to fitness.
Fabio Borini is ineligible to play against his parent club after joining Sunderland from Liverpool on transfer deadline day.
Lee Cattermole made his first start of the season against Peterborough and he could keep his place in midfield.
Liverpool
Luis Suarez is set to start his first Premier League game after coming through his return from suspension against Manchester United unscathed.
The Uruguay international played the full 90 minutes in midweek after serving his 10-match ban for his bite on Branislav Ivanovic and he is expected to keep his place in Rodgers' starting XI.
Rodgers is waiting on the fitness of vice-captain Daniel Agger after he missed the defeat at Old Trafford with a knock.
Full-back duo Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho remain on the sidelines through injury meaning Rodgers has a decision to make whether to stick to his 3-5-2 formation he played against Manchester United.
Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho is out after undergoing shoulder surgery last week, while two former Sunderland stars Simon Mignolet and Jordan Henderson are set to face their old club.
Opta Stats
Liverpool are the only team yet to score in the second half in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland have won only three of their 24 Barclays Premier League games against Liverpool but all three victories have come at the Stadium of Light.
Seven of Liverpool's last nine Barclays Premier League goals have been scored from Daniel Sturridge.
'Vulture' Gus Poyet waiting to swoop for Sunderland post
FORMER Brighton boss Gus Poyet has revealed he has the "opportunity to manage Sunderland" after Paolo Di Canio was sacked earlier this week.
Poyet is the heavy odds-on favourite to take the post with bookmakers after Roberto Di Matteo drifted in the betting.
And with reports emerging yesterday that Poyet was set to replace Di Canio at Sunderland, the Uruguayan has admitted he is close to being given the job.
"My opportunity to manage Sunderland is there," said Poyet. "I'm waiting. Nervously."
My opportunity to manage Sunderland is there. I'm waiting. Nervously
Gus Poyet
Poyet left Brighton at the end of the season after a dispute with the Championship outfit, and admits he has been eyeing up potential vacancies this season.
"Since the start of the season, I’ve dedicated myself to watching the games of teams that might call me if things weren’t going too well," he added.
Kevin Ball has taken temporary charge of the Black Cats in the wake of Di Canio's departure.
Poyet rules out potential rival candidates for Sunderland hotseat by personally calling them to see if they want the job!
Gus Poyet is pushing Sunderland into a decision to appoint him as manager, even ruling out other candidates by calling them himself.
The former Brighton boss is desperate to return to management and sees the Barclays Premier League bottom club as tailor-made for his talents.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Poyet learnt Italian in just six weeks in his time at Stamford Bridge and believes his multi-lingual talents enhance his chances of succeeding Paolo Di Canio, who was sacked at the weekend.
Although Poyet is thought to be the preferred option of director of football Robert De Fanti, owner Ellis Short will take his time over the decision. He is understood to be particularly keen to talk to former Manchester United number two Rene Meulensteen. Caretaker manager Kevin Ball will remain in charge for Sunday’s visit of Liverpool.
Former Brighton manager Poyet revealed, in an interview with South American radio station Sport 890, that he had spoken to former Chelsea team-mate Roberto Di Matteo: 'I called him and said “Really, are you interested?" and he said "No." I said "Good, thank you. One less!"
'Another was Gianfranco Zola.
'It’s a team with lots of backroom staff and scouting staff from Italy.
'It was possible it would have been easier to go down that line, for the understanding between people from the same country.
'It’s a new team, very international, and it would be convenient for the new person to speak various languages.
'You wouldn’t need to have translators continually.
'That is something that helps me, because I have that ability.
'But there are things that go against me, for example the fact that I’ve never managed in the Premier League.
'If one day you coach in the Premier League without having previously managed and it’s your first job and it doesn’t go well, generally they accuse you of not having worked at the lower level and taken the right steps required to reach the top.
'But it has to be one way or the other. It can’t be that when you have taken all the steps – been assistant to different managers, been manager yourself and improved year after year in the team you were with, that you can’t then have a chance at a higher level, that is illogical.'
Poyet has remained in England since his departure from Brighton towards the end of last season.
The Uruguayan admitted he had stayed in the hope of getting work again when a manager was sacked.
Motherwell's Simon Ramsden makes shock bid for vacant Sunderland job
MOTHERWELL defender Simon Ramsden has made a cheeky bid to become the next manager of his beloved Sunderland.
The lifelong Black Cats fan has made a madcap move to become the club’s new boss, after they sacked Paolo Di Canio on Sunday.
Ramsden might only be 31 and has no managerial experience but he has applied for the vacant Barclays Premier League post, which he describes as his dream job – although he knows he has little chance against big-name candidates like Gianfranco Zola, Gus Poyet, Alex McLeish, Tony Pulis and Roberto Di Matteo.
Ramsden admitted: “I’ve just put my CV in, I’m waiting to hear back. It’s my dream job and that’s what dreams are made of but I can’t see it happening to be honest.
“I’ve been pestering Alan Burrows, the Motherwell press officer who put the application in, but they haven’t got back to me yet.
“To be fair, I haven’t got my coaching badges yet and that might count against me.
“I’m hoping to start my B licence soon. Now that I’m getting on a bit it’s something I need to look at for the future.
“All my family are big Sunderland fans.
“We haven’t won anything since 1973 but the support is the fifth largest in the country. We’re just waiting for someone to go there and spark it all. Maybe I’m that man!”
Ramsden was surprised that Di Canio confronted Sunderland fans after the weekend defeat to West Bromwich Albion and was sacked after a player revolt.
“Something hasn’t gone right at the end of Paolo’s time there,” said Ramsden.
To be fair, I haven’t got my coaching badges yet and that might count against me
Simon Ramsden
“When he went in and we beat Newcastle 3-0 I think everyone was expecting the club to kick on.
“It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out.
“I don’t think I would have addressed the fans like he did.
“It was a brave decision but I think that might have been the final nail in his coffin.
“We’ve got Newcastle coming up again in a few weeks so you’d hope that whoever comes in gives the place a lift.
“I was a season-ticket holder as a kid and I’m going down to see them play against Liverpool this Sunday.”
Meanwhile, former Scotland and Rangers boss McLeish has confirmed his interest in the Sunderland job.
He has been out of work since his short stint at Nottingham Forest but has Premier League experience with both Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
McLeish said: “It’s a big club. I am out of a job at the moment and it is a club that would certainly fascinate me in terms of going in there and trying to inject some confidence into those players.”
Sunderland players given a say in Paolo Di Canio replacement
SEVERAL leading Sunderland players have been canvassed over who should replace Paolo Di Canio by billionaire owner Ellis Short, and the overwhelming majority say they would prefer a British manager.
Short did not seek players’ opinions in his previous two appointments, but this time he asked a number of his experienced professionals for their views.
Among the favourites for the job are former Brighton boss Gus Poyet and the former Chelsea and West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Sunderland's Steven Fletcher out for six weeks with shoulder injury
The striker sustained the problem at West Brom last weekend, but it's not as bad as first feared
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is out for up to six weeks with a shoulder injury sustained last weekend.
The striker will not feature against Liverpool on Sunday and while he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it's better than was first feared.
Meanwhile, John O'Shea, who came off with a niggle during Tuesday night's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Peterborough, should return and midfielder Lee Cattermole could also figure after coming through that game unscathed.
Kevin Ball told safc.com: “The biggest thing for us is looking at what went well, how they did it and what they need to do on Sunday.
“It was a good performance [on Tuesday] and I was delighted for the players. Now we have to take that into Sunday’s game.
“In terms of the game, it’s a fabulous occasion and every footballer would be delighted.”
Sunderland v Liverpool: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Sunday Sep 29, 2013, kick-off 16.00 (BST).
Sunday, September 29 2013
Sunderland v Liverpool
Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 16.00 BST.
TV: Highlights BBC ONE Match of the Day.
Team News
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher will be sidelined for up to six weeks with the shoulder injury he suffered at West Brom last weekend.
However, while the Scotland international will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool and several games beyond, the news is significantly better than was first feared.
Defender John O'Shea, who came off with a niggle during Tuesday night's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Peterborough, is expected to be fit and midfielder Lee Cattermole could also figure after coming through that game unscathed, while full-back Phil Bardsley is close to returning from a broken bone in his foot.
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is set to return for the trip to Sunderland after being left out of the midweek Capital One Cup defeat against Manchester United because of a side strain.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has to decide whether to continue with the three centre-halves he fielded at Old Trafford as right-back Glen Johnson is still out injured.
Midfielder Joe Allen is absent while Philippe Coutinho is still recovering from a shoulder operation.
Match Notes
Kevin Ball has been left in charge of the team as caretaker manager, although it seems likely his bid to become permanent boss is doomed to fail even if he masterminds a shock victory over Liverpool.
Gus Poyet is waiting in the wings and is expected to take control early next week.
Liverpool have lost early season momentum with successive defeats to Southampton and Manchester United and will have to cope with a Sunderland side who have been invigorated by the overthrowing of Paolo Di Canio last weekend.
Betting: Home 4-1, Away 4-6, Draw 12-5.
Stat of the game: Sunderland have scored only 12 goals in 24 Premier League meetings with Liverpool.
Luke Edwards' prediction: Sunderland 1 Liverpool 2.
Mignolet: Sunderland wouldn't be in the Premier League without Di Canio... he was a good manager to work with
He has been labelled a tyrant and harangued for his overzealous approach but Simon Mignolet believes Sunderland would not be in the Premier League without Paolo Di Canio.
Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet will be in the firing line on Saturday when his old team chase their first three points of the season and it will be intriguing to see how Sunderland, who beat Peterborough in midweek, respond again without Di Canio.
Mignolet, who was arguably Sunderland's best player last season and joined Liverpool for £9million in June, has kept his distance in recent days and has not tried to find out the details about the bust-up with Sunderland's squad that hastened Di Canio's exit.
But the 23-year-old has pointed out that not everything about the Italian's short reign was bad.
Without the victories Di Canio secured against Everton and Newcastle in April, Sunderland would have slipped into the Championship and Mignolet feels a slightly unfair picture has been painted of the former Swindon manager.
'When he first came in, he observed a lot, looked at the players and what was happening around the place,' said Mignolet, who was speaking at a Sells Goalkeeper Products event. 'After a couple of days observing he changed a few little things here and there to see what his own view is about.
'That's what he did in the first few weeks and we had two massive results against Newcastle and Everton which were our biggest results last season. Those results got us safe for the next season. After that, he brought in his own style from his own way of doing things which he found important.
'If you are a professional footballer, the manager is there to point you in a direction and you follow in the direction he pinpoints out and you do the things he wants you to do as good as you can. You go with that and try to do your best. For me he was a good manager to work with.'
Liverpool will be looking to end a disappointing week on a high, following defeats to Southampton and Manchester United, and Brendan Rodgers has no doubt that Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge can work together to form a potent partnership.
'Luis' return will only help Daniel,' said Rodgers. 'Good players want to play with other good players. They can be a real threat. Their focus is on the team doing well and it's my job to manage the dynamic of the team. I've got no worries about it.'
Goal Predicts: Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea, Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool, Swansea City 1-2 Arsenal
Greg Stobart offers his predictions ahead of the weekend's Premier League fixtures - but how do you think he and the teams will get on?
The standout match this weekend comes from London, as Chelsea contest their second derby in as many league games, as they visit high-flying Tottenham.
The match sees Jose Mourinho and his former apprentice, Andre Villas-Boas, lock horns for the first time since going their separate ways back in 2009. Spurs currently boast the best defensive record in European football, but have only beaten the Blues on three occasions at home in the Premier League.
That said, the first of which, came against Jose Mourninho back in 2006 ...
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester United look to build on their midweek Capital One Cup victory over Liverpool with a home tie with West Brom, while league-leaders Arsenal travel to Swansea.
DIDI HAMANN 6 CORRECT 0 PERFECT 4 WRONG
Last time out, Didi scored six out of ten, correctly backing Manchester City to defeat rivals Manchester United. Impressive, but still not as good as Gus Poyet who continues to lead the way.
So Greg has had his say, and now you can too! Leave your predictions in the comments below and vote on how you think he will fare.
POLL OF THE DAY
How will Greg fare?
10 out of 10
9 out of 10
8 out of 10
7 out of 10
6 out of 10
5 out of 10
4 out of 10
3 out of 10
2 out of 10
Ouch, better luck next time!
45:00 +2:20 Half time Half Time The referee calls an end to the first half. 45:00 +1:41 Clearance made by Steven Gerrard. 45:00 +1:35 Shot by Sebastian Larsson. Steven Gerrard gets a block in. 45:00 +1:16 A cross is delivered by Jordan Henderson. 45:00 +1:03 Clearance made by Jack Colback. 45:00 +0:28 Mamadou Sakho makes a clearance. 44:22 Adam Johnson takes a shot and cleared the goal. 44:15 Kolo Toure makes a clearance. 44:12 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 43:43 Craig Gardner has an effort at goal. Simon Mignolet parries the ball but the danger is not over. 42:12 Adam Johnson produces a cross. 41:47 Mamadou Sakho makes a clearance. 41:43 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 41:35 John O'Shea manages to make a clearance. 40:53 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 40:44 Kolo Toure makes a clearance. 39:38 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 39:05 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 38:28 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Blocked by Victor Moses. 38:27 Free kick taken by Sebastian Larsson. 37:17 The referee gives a free kick against Mamadou Sakho for handball. 35:42 Assist by Daniel Sturridge. 35:42 Goal scored
Goal! - Luis Suarez - Sunderland 0 - 2 Liverpool
Luis Suarez scores a right footed goal. Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool. 34:51 Sung-Yeung Ki has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 34:49 Martin Skrtel makes a clearance. 34:24 Steven Gerrard makes a clearance. 34:23 A cross is delivered by John O'Shea. 34:16 Corner taken by Adam Johnson. 33:57 Sanchez Jose Enrique manages to make a clearance. 33:56 Craig Gardner sends in a cross. 33:15 Kolo Toure manages to make a clearance. 33:10 Sebastian Larsson takes a shot. Blocked by Mamadou Sakho. 32:11 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the left by-line. 31:40 The ball is delivered by Jordan Henderson. 31:00 The ball is delivered by Carlos Cuellar. 30:38 Clearance by Kolo Toure. 30:32 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 30:13 Leiva Lucas manages to make a clearance. 30:11 The ball is crossed by Sebastian Larsson. 29:19 Header at goal by John O'Shea misses to the right. 29:17 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson. 27:20 The assist for the goal came from Steven Gerrard. 27:20 Goal scored
Goal! - Daniel Sturridge - Sunderland 0 - 1 Liverpool
Daniel Sturridge grabs a goal. Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool. 27:17 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard. 26:56 Centre by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 26:56 Craig Gardner manages to make a clearance. 25:42 Victor Moses takes a shot and cleared the bar. 25:41 John O'Shea makes a clearance. 25:38 The ball is delivered by Jordan Henderson. 25:24 Jack Colback takes the free kick. 24:49 Martin Skrtel challenges Jozy Altidore unfairly and gives away a free kick. 24:18 Martin Skrtel manages to make a clearance. 23:26 Shot by Jozy Altidore. Blocked by Mamadou Sakho. 23:20 Sebastian Larsson has a direct shot on goal from the free kick which hits the bar. 22:04 Emanuele Giaccherini fouled by Leiva Lucas, the ref awards a free kick. 20:51 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 19:41 Sung-Yeung Ki takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand post. 19:16 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line. 18:52 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 18:51 Centre by Jordan Henderson. 18:21 Martin Skrtel restarts play with the free kick. 18:03 The referee blows for offside against Jozy Altidore. 17:48 Mamadou Sakho restarts play with the free kick. 17:27 Craig Gardner challenges Sanchez Jose Enrique unfairly and gives away a free kick. 17:22 Kolo Toure takes the free kick. 17:17 Lee Cattermole gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Victor Moses. 14:18 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 14:16 Corner taken by Luis Suarez. 13:41 Craig Gardner makes a clearance. 13:40 Jordan Henderson crosses the ball. 13:04 Clearance made by Leiva Lucas. 13:03 The ball is sent over by Craig Gardner. 12:47 Jozy Altidore takes a shot. Blocked by Martin Skrtel. 12:30 Simon Mignolet takes the free kick. 12:05 Jozy Altidore is ruled offside. 12:00 Shot by Craig Gardner went wide of the right-hand post. 11:58 Sanchez Jose Enrique manages to make a clearance. 11:55 Emanuele Giaccherini takes a shot. Kolo Toure gets a block in. 11:32 Clearance made by Kolo Toure. 11:31 A cross is delivered by Jack Colback. 11:14 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 11:12 Emanuele Giaccherini delivers the ball. 9:58 Adam Johnson takes a shot and missed to the right of the goal. 9:47 Mamadou Sakho manages to make a clearance. 9:20 Kolo Toure manages to make a clearance. 9:17 Keiren Westwood restarts play with the free kick. 8:47 The offside flag is raised against Martin Skrtel. 8:42 Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Steven Gerrard. Keiren Westwood fumbles the ball. 7:47 Lee Cattermole gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Daniel Sturridge. 7:30 Clearance by John O'Shea. 7:29 The ball is swung over by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 6:29 Clearance made by Kolo Toure. 6:28 A cross is delivered by Sung-Yeung Ki. 5:54 Jozy Altidore delivers the ball. 5:29 Clearance by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 5:25 Leiva Lucas makes a clearance. 5:23 Adam Johnson crosses the ball in from the free kick. 4:35 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sanchez Jose Enrique on Adam Johnson. 4:31 Clearance made by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 4:30 The ball is crossed by Emanuele Giaccherini. 3:50 Shot by Luis Suarez missed to the right of the target. 3:32 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line. 3:08 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 3:07 The ball is delivered by Steven Gerrard. 2:49 Clearance made by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 2:46 Centre by Jack Colback. 0:32 The ball is sent over by Craig Gardner. 0:08 Clearance by Mamadou Sakho. 0:00 The game begins.
90:00 +1:43 Adam Johnson takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 90:00 +1:39 Clearance by Jordan Henderson. 90:00 +1:35 Corner from the left by-line taken by Emanuele Giaccherini. 90:00 +1:22 Jordan Henderson manages to make a clearance. 90:00 +1:20 Emanuele Giaccherini sends in a cross. 90:00 +1:10 Raheem Sterling manages to make a clearance. 90:00 +0:41 Mamadou Sakho manages to make a clearance. 90:00 +0:24 Kolo Toure makes a clearance. 89:49 Emanuele Giaccherini takes a shot and missed to the left of the net. 89:49 Raheem Sterling makes a clearance. 88:24 Daniel Sturridge provided the assist for the goal. 88:24 Goal scored Goal! - Luis Suarez - Sunderland 1 - 3 Liverpool Luis Suarez scores with their left foot. Sunderland 1-3 Liverpool. 88:05 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson. 87:46 Simon Mignolet manages to make a clearance. 87:45 Steven Gerrard manages to make a clearance. 87:41 The ball is sent over by Emanuele Giaccherini. 87:28 Steven Gerrard manages to make a clearance. 87:25 The ball is delivered by Adam Johnson. 86:59 Clearance made by John O'Shea. 86:58 The ball is delivered by Raheem Sterling.
86:46 Simon Mignolet restarts play with the free kick. 86:28 The referee blows for offside. 86:15 Sung-Yeung Ki takes the free kick. 86:06 Unfair challenge on Sung-Yeung Ki by Luis Suarez results in a free kick. 85:33 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 85:28 Simon Mignolet restarts play with the free kick. 85:01 Raheem Sterling fouled by Craig Gardner, the ref awards a free kick. 84:28 Martin Skrtel takes the free kick. 84:13 Substitution Charis Mavrias joins the action as a substitute, replacing Sebastian Larsson. 83:57 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mamadou Sakho by Jozy Altidore. 83:27 The ball is delivered by Adam Johnson. 83:15 Clearance made by Jordan Henderson. 83:13 Shot by Sung-Yeung Ki. Sanchez Jose Enrique gets a block in. 82:46 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson. 82:34 Clearance by Leiva Lucas. 82:32 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball. 82:15 Carlos Cuellar restarts play with the free kick. 81:59 Leiva Lucas is booked. 81:59 Booking 81:51 Leiva Lucas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Emanuele Giaccherini. 81:02 The ball is crossed by Ondrej Celustka. 80:23 Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance. 80:05 Steven Gerrard restarts play with the free kick. 79:25 Jack Colback goes into the referee's book. 79:25 Booking 79:21 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jack Colback on Raheem Sterling. 79:11 Clearance by Kolo Toure. 79:09 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball. 78:19 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 78:17 Corner taken by Jordan Henderson from the right by-line. 77:47 Kolo Toure takes a brilliant shot. A parry by Keiren Westwood prevents the goal. 77:07 Clearance by Jack Colback. 77:05 A cross is delivered by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 75:58 Carlos Cuellar restarts play with the free kick. 75:46 Jordan Henderson challenges Sebastian Larsson unfairly and gives away a free kick. 75:12 Free kick taken by Martin Skrtel. 75:01 Jozy Altidore is adjudged to have handled the ball. 74:39 Martin Skrtel makes a clearance. 74:23 Substitution
Substitution Raheem Sterling comes on in place of Victor Moses. 73:48 Substitution Lee Cattermole leaves the field to be replaced by Ondrej Celustka. 73:04 Luis Suarez takes a shot and went wide right of the goal. 73:02 Luis Suarez takes a shot. Lee Cattermole gets a block in. 73:00 Steven Gerrard has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 72:58 The ball is swung over by Jordan Henderson. 72:12 The ball is crossed by Adam Johnson. 71:55 Kolo Toure manages to make a clearance. 71:41 Clearance by Carlos Cuellar. 71:34 The ball is delivered by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 69:03 Clearance by Lee Cattermole. 68:55 Corner taken by Adam Johnson. 68:40 Martin Skrtel manages to make a clearance. 68:38 Craig Gardner crosses the ball. 68:31 Lee Cattermole takes the free kick. 68:20 Foul by Leiva Lucas on Jozy Altidore, free kick awarded. 67:30 Clearance made by Jordan Henderson. 67:29 The ball is swung over by Emanuele Giaccherini. 66:47 A cross is delivered by Victor Moses. 66:35 Clearance made by Adam Johnson. 66:33 Corner taken by Luis Suarez from the left by-line. 65:59 Victor Moses takes a shot. Keiren Westwood parries the effort to safety. 65:50 Luis Suarez crosses the ball in from the free kick. 64:54 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jack Colback on Daniel Sturridge. 64:30 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 64:30 The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson. 64:25 Sanchez Jose Enrique crosses the ball. 63:16 Steven Gerrard makes a clearance. 63:12 Free kick taken by Sebastian Larsson. 62:25 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Lee Cattermole by Victor Moses. 61:41 Jozy Altidore takes the chance to get an effort at goal. A parry by Simon Mignolet prevents the goal. 60:12 Craig Gardner manages to make a clearance. 59:35 Craig Gardner makes a clearance. 59:27 Mamadou Sakho takes the free kick. 58:53 Emanuele Giaccherini booked for unsporting behaviour. 58:53 Booking 58:46 Emanuele Giaccherini concedes a free kick for a foul on Martin Skrtel. 58:18 Sung-Yeung Ki takes the free kick. 58:06 Martin Skrtel challenges Jozy Altidore unfairly and gives away a free kick. 57:56 Steven Gerrard has an effort at goal. Blocked by John O'Shea. 57:53 John O'Shea manages to make a clearance. 57:52 Jordan Henderson delivers the ball. 57:49 John O'Shea makes a clearance. 57:48 The ball is sent over by Luis Suarez. 57:02 John O'Shea makes a clearance. 57:02 The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson. 56:28 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 56:27 The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson. 56:25 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 56:24 Clearance by Adam Johnson. 56:20 Victor Moses takes a brilliant shot. Carlos Cuellar gets a block in. 56:13 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 56:10 Simon Mignolet takes the free kick. 55:43 The assistant referee signals for offside against Emanuele Giaccherini. 54:24 Clearance by Luis Suarez. 54:21 Clearance by Mamadou Sakho. 54:19 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 53:51 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Simon Mignolet parries the ball away. 53:47 Clearance made by Steven Gerrard. 53:46 Adam Johnson sends in a cross. 53:06 A cross is delivered by Steven Gerrard. 53:00 Clearance by Jack Colback. 52:55 Clearance made by Martin Skrtel. 52:17 Centre by Jordan Henderson. 51:30 Goal scored
Goal! - Emanuele Giaccherini - Sunderland 1 - 2 Liverpool
Emanuele Giaccherini grabs a goal with a left foot finish. Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool. 51:28 Shot by Sung-Yeung Ki. Parried by Simon Mignolet back into danger. 51:04 Adam Johnson takes a shot and missed to the right of the net. 50:59 Jordan Henderson manages to make a clearance. 50:56 Clearance made by Martin Skrtel. 50:55 The ball is swung over by Sung-Yeung Ki. 50:50 Leiva Lucas manages to make a clearance. 50:49 Martin Skrtel makes a clearance. 50:48 The ball is crossed by Jack Colback. 48:15 Luis Suarez takes a shot and went wide left of the goal. 48:14 Clearance made by Jozy Altidore. 48:09 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the left by-line. 47:39 Luis Suarez takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Blocked by John O'Shea. 46:42 Clearance by Jordan Henderson. 46:40 Mamadou Sakho manages to make a clearance. 46:39 Emanuele Giaccherini has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 46:37 Clearance made by Kolo Toure. 46:35 Craig Gardner produces a cross. 46:08 Clearance by Carlos Cuellar. 45:55 Clearance by Mamadou Sakho. 45:50 Jack Colback restarts play with the free kick. 45:28 Jordan Henderson challenges Carlos Cuellar unfairly and gives away a free kick. 45:01 The second half kicks off.
Luis Suarez marked his Premier League return with two goals as Liverpool beat Sunderland to go second in the table.
Playing in the league for the first time since 21 April after a 10-match ban for biting, Suarez twice tapped in after being set up by Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge put the Reds ahead at the Stadium of Light with a close-range effort that appeared to hit his arm.
Emanuele Giaccherini pulled one back for Sunderland in between the Suarez efforts, but Liverpool held on.
I can save Sunderland, says former boss Reid but Poyet remains favourite for Black Cats job
Peter Reid, Sunderland’s most successful Premier League manager, wants to go back. He saved them from relegation from the second tier in 1995 and got them promoted the following season.
Gus Poyet is favourite for the job, following the dismissal of manager Paolo di Canio last week, and Sven Goran Eriksson, managing in China, is also believed to be interested.
But Reid, 57, said: ‘I kept Sunderland up before when they were in a worse state than they are now and I can do it again.’
Nothing decided yet at Sunderland as they continue to search for Di Canio's successor
Chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed Sunderland will speak to several more potential managers in the coming week as they continue the search for Paolo Di Canio's replacement.
A week since announcing the 45-year-old Italian had been shown the door at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats remain in the process of assessing their options with Kevin Ball having been handed the role of interim head coach.
Writing in her programme notes ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool, Byrne said: 'Clearly as a matter of priority, our efforts are presently focused on appointing a new head coach.
'As you would expect with a position of this magnitude, there has been a lot of interest. However, there is no definitive timescale on an appointment as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us.
'I am sure that you have read and heard all kinds of rumours and speculation about potential targets, but much of this is guesswork.
'We have had contact with some interested parties already and have others to speak to in the coming days.
'As soon as we have identified the right person to take the club forward, we will make an announcement.'
Former Brighton boss Gus Poyet remains the bookmakers' favourite after confirming his interest in the vacant post, while Stuart Pearce's odds were slashed overnight.
Ball has indicated he would like to be considered for the permanent role, and former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen also figures prominently in the betting.
Sunderland 1 Liverpool 3: Suarez back with a bang as Reds return to winning ways
Luis Suarez scored his first goals of the season after returning from his ten-game ban as Liverpool returned to winning ways at Sunderland.
Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the season in the first half before Suarez netted a second after a good team move involving skipper Steven Gerrard.
Emanuele Giaccherini pulled a goal back for Sunderland, but Kevin Ball's side were unable to mount a comeback.
Suarez then netted his second of the game by finishing off a pass from Sturridge.
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Sunday Sep 29, 2013.
Returning to Premier League action for the first time since biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic on April 21, Luis Suarez made light of a dead leg and some boos from the Sunderland fans to mark the occasion with two goals and a T-shirt tribute to his new son.
Liverpool fans responded loudly, chanting Suarez’s name at the final whistle, as the Stadium of Light DJ played “I can’t help falling in love with you”.
After a potential split in the summer, Liverpool’s passion for Suarez was demonstrated here and he responded with whole-hearted performance.
His second goal, Liverpool’s third, was particularly significant as it took the visitors above Tottenham Hotspur into second place in this open-looking Premier League.
The only negative from the afternoon was Lucas’ fifth booking of the season which brings a one-match ban, but Liverpool left Wearside in bouyant mood.
Suarez is back and they look an even more threatening team with him in the fold. He had played on Wednesday against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, showing that his fitness was good and he continued his constant running here.
He started with a neat turn and then a good pass to Daniel Sturridge, giving another reminder of their burgeoning understanding. Sturridge also scored and pushed Suarez for man of the match honours.
As at Old Trafford, Victor Moses was again in the hole behind Sturridge and Suarez. Brendan Rodgers continued with three centre-halves, Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho, and the system largely worked well.
There was occasional uncertainty out wide. Sunderland immediately targeted the space behind the wing-backs Jose Enrique and Jordan Henderson but it was Liverpool who were the more clinical.
Liverpool thought they had scored early on after Lee Cattermole fouled Sturridge. Suarez looked to be lining up the free-kick but Steven Gerrard took it, curling the ball over the ball and forcing a low save from Keiren Westwood. Skrtel turned in the loose ball but the assistant referee, Darren Cann, signalled offside.
Suarez was quietly influential, and also on his best behaviour, staying on his feet when challenged by John O’Shea in the area. Suarez then sustained his dead leg, slipping and being caught by Craig Gardner.
The Uruguayan hobbled around for a bit, rubbing his thigh, before regaining full movement.
Sunderland looked bright for a period in the first half, pressing well, and moving the ball quickly into the final third. Ki Sung-yueng shot wide. Gardner spirited the ball past Gerrard.
Then Seb Larsson curled a free-kick on to Simon Mignolet’s bar.
Liverpool stayed calm and began counter-attacking at pace, forcing a corner after 28 minutes. Gerrard lifted the ball towards the near-post where Kolo Toure flicked on towards the unmarked Sturridge.
The England striker went for the ball with his head but it went in off his bicep.
Sunderland complained but Howard Webb indicated a goal. Cann, one of Webb’s assistants from the 2010 World Cup final, had the sun in his eyes and did not indicate any offence.
“First goal maybe handball but even still it would only even out the beach ball incident,’’ tweeted Liverpool’s injured full-back, Glen Johnson, referring to Darren Bent’s bizarrely deflected goal here in 2009.
Sunderland’s frustrated fans then appealed loudly for a free-kick when Mignolet, not at his most convincing on his return to the Stadium of Light, picked up Toure’s pass but Webb waved play on. Sunderland fans’ mood darkened further
after 36 minutes. Gerrard created the goal with one of his trademark raking passes, angled right to Sturridge.
The Premier League Player of the Month for August comfortably beat Carlos Cueller for speed before flicking the ball across for Suarez, who was pointing exactly where he wanted it.
Sturridge delivered and Suarez pounced. Sunderland’s defenders were again missing. Suarez celebrated by lifting his top to reveal a T-shirt with a picture of his wife Sofia, daughter Delfina and new-boy son Benjamin. “Welcome Benja” read the message. “Los amo!!!” (“I love them’’)
Sunderland actually finished the half strongly, Gardner and Johnson going close but it was in the second half, following Ball’s talk, that they looked far more of a cohesive force until Suarez applied the coup de grace late on.
Within seven minutes Sunderland had halved the deficit. Ki shot from 25 yards, the ball suddenly appearing past Skrtel and forcing Mignolet into a hurried save. He pushed the ball straight out and Giaccherini reacted quickest, slamming the ball in.
Belief spread across the home terraces. Gardner had a shot saved. Colback and Cattermole snapped into tackles. This was the sort of committed performance demanded by Ball and the Sunderland fans.
Yet Sunderland always had to beware the combination of Suarez and Sturridge, who are building up a formidable understanding. Suarez, echoing his first-half rectitude, again stayed on his feet in the box when challenged strongly by Larsson.
Moses was also concerning Sunderland with his movement and one powerful shot that was tipped over by Westwood. The managers began to freshen up their sides.
Cattermole departed to a standing ovation from Sunderland fans as Ondrej Celustka ran on. Raheem Sterling sprinted on for Moses with Henderson looking more comfortable moving into a central position. Colback was immediately cautioned for tripping Sterling.
The Sturridge-Suarez double act hadn’t finished. From Mignolet’s throw, Suarez accelerated upfield before finding Sturridge. The compliment was returned by Sturridge who crossed for Suarez to crown his Premier League comeback.
As Liverpool fans celebrated, their Sunderland counterparts had only the consolation of an improved performance, of the memory of Cattermole’s contribution, but they need a finisher.
Pulis joins Poyet on Sunderland shortlist as owner Short weighs up candidates.
Even under Ellis Short, an owner now looking for his fifth manager in less than five years, certain people have hung on to their jobs at Sunderland.
It turns out the chap Paolo Di Canio banned from talking to the players in the tunnel has been here for 50 years, while the tea lady subjected to similar sanctions is into her fourth decade. There was a sense here yesterday that some sanity has been restored. A cloud had lifted at a sunbathed Stadium of Light.
Sadly for Sunderland, however, nice guys are not necessarily what is required to revive a side still looking for their first win of the season.
Particularly when the players know him as the guy who normally takes the Under 21 team and need only have read the chief executive’s column in the match programme to know he has little chance of landing the top job.
‘Our efforts are presently focused on appointing a new head coach,’ wrote Margaret Byrne, even if caretaker boss Kevin Ball was still expressing a desire to stay in charge after seeing Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge dismantle his fragile defence.
In those same programme notes, Byrne added that they are ‘carefully examining all of the options available’.
And well they might given the mess Short has made of things this year. Interviewed on talkSPORT on Sunday, Ricky Sbragia, not so long ago in the position currently occupied by Ball, argued that Short was too hasty in dismissing Martin O’Neill, that he should have trusted him to keep Sunderland in the Premier League last season. Sbragia has a point, given O’Neill’s record for having never taken a team down.
It is someone with genuine top- flight experience that Sunderland need now. He must be a manager of some pedigree, capable of taking on a squad boasting 14 Di Canio signings and building a team equipped to climb away from the relegation zone.
So what names were doing the rounds here last night? Well, there’s Gus Poyet; still the favourite and someone who managed to build a bit of a reputation for himself in three- and-a-half years at Brighton before his acrimonious departure in May.
But does that not all sound a bit too familiar? In fairness to Poyet, there are plenty of examples of managers who have successfully bridged the divide between England’s top flight and the lower leagues.
But on Sunday night there were some more sensible names in the frame. While an offer from Derby County was said to be on the table for Steve McClaren, he appeared to be stalling in the hope of a call from Sunderland. And after the success McClaren enjoyed at Middlesbrough, and indeed at FC Twente, the former England manager represents a decent option for Short. He will have seen a team in need of coaching as much as strong leadership.
It really depends who Short is listening to these days. Roberto De Fanti is believed to have recommended Di Canio and seems to be pushing for Poyet, too. Short, surely, would be wary of following the advice of his director of football again. Indeed if De Fanti did sell the idea of Di Canio you have to wonder how the man remains in a job.
Tony Pulis has received a mention. As has Rene Meulensteen, the former Manchester United first-team coach, Stuart Pearce and Sven Goran Eriksson. ‘I don’t think the fans would put up with Pulis or his football,’ remarked a club employee. But what kind of football is that?
Sunderland should respect the kind of football that keeps a team in the Premier League year after year. The kind that makes a club financially strong, and makes a team less vulnerable to a side of Liverpool’s obvious quality.
There were times when Sunderland attacked with real vigour but they were defensively hopeless.
Taking the players along the seafront the night before the game, as Ball did ‘so they could see the people they are playing for’, was a nice touch, but it didn’t work.
Track records do. So wise up, Mr Short, and let that be your starting point this time.
'We have tough times ahead'... O'Shea says Sunderland must move on after admitting players had a say in Di Canio departure
Sunderland skipper John O’Shea has urged the club to move on from the Paolo Di Canio debacle after confirming the players had a role in the Italian’s departure.
Di Canio was sacked last Sunday evening after a disastrous run of results, and it later emerged that a furious showdown in the dressing room following the 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at West Brom and another at the Black Cats’ Academy of Light training ground the following day had prompted a delegation of senior players to call upon the board to take action.
But as the search for the 45-year-old replacement continues, O’Shea insists that he and his team-mates must put a chaotic episode firmly behind them as they attempt to turn their season around.
Asked if the players had felt the need to have their say over Di Canio, he told the Sunderland Echo: 'That was obviously done. But we have to move on now.
'Because of the position we are in in the league, we can’t keep going back to it. We have got some difficult months ahead.
'Whoever comes in, whether it’s Bally [interim head coach Kevin Ball] or a new manager, we have got tough times ahead.
'We have to stick together and if we keep going back to it, it will soon be too hard to pull back from where we are.'
Ball guided Sunderland to a 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Peterborough on Tuesday night, but saw his side beaten 3-1 in the league by high-flying Liverpool on Sunday despite a spirited display.
He has asked to be considered for the permanent post with Gus Poyet still the bookmakers’ favourite, although chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed that discussions have taken place with several candidates and that there will be talks with more this week.
The longer that consultation progress continues, the greater the chance of Ball remaining at the helm for Saturday’s home clash with wounded Manchester United.
And should he eventually get the job, that would go down well in the dressing room.
O’Shea said: 'Without a doubt, he’s made an impact. If it does happen, the players would be very happy. But we will wait and see what the club decides.'
Sunderland currently lie at the foot of the Premier League table with just a single point to show for their six outings to date, and four adrift of West Ham in 17th place.
Sunderland vow to take their time over appointing a new manager
Sunderland will not be rushed into appointing a new manager despite slumping to their fifth defeat in six Premier League games against Liverpool.
The Black Cats are four points adrift of fourth-from-bottom West Ham United after losing 3-1, but they will continue to speak to candidates this week as owner Ellis Short is determined to assess all of the options after rushing into the disastrous appointment of Paolo Di Canio.
Short has interviewed former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet and former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, and has been impressed with both, but he is expected to leave caretaker manager Kevin Ball in charge for the game against United next weekend.
Sunderland had hoped to speak to former England manager Steve McClaren this week, although he could already be heading to Derby County to replace Nigel Clough. Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis would also like to be considered even though he is thought to harbour reservations about working with a director of football, a position currently filled at the Stadium of Light by the mysterious Roberto De Fanti.
Despite their perilous league position and a return of one point from six games Sunderland’s board are not going to panic.
“Clearly as a matter of priority our efforts are presently focused on appointing a new head coach”, wrote chief executive Margaret Byrne in her programme notes. “As you would expect with a position of this magnitude, there has been a lot of interest, however, there is no definitive timescale on an appointment, as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us.
“We have had contact with some interested parties already and have others to speak to in the coming days. As soon as we have identified the right person to take the club forward we will make an announcement.”
On the pitch there were a few encouraging signs for Ball, who would like to be considered for the manager’s job on a permanent basis but has not yet been interviewed. With Lee Cattermole back in the side Sunderland caused Liverpool a few uncomfortable moments, but they are conceding too many goals and were unable to come back from two down despite Emanuele Giaccherini pulling one back early in the second half.
“The first thing we were looking for was a performance,” Ball said. “We got that, I think, despite the result. I think I would be foolish not to be encouraged by that. I’ve not had any contact with the board about whether I’ll be in charge for the Manchester United game. We’ll take training on Monday morning and hopefully we’ll have a conversation after that. I’d like to be considered for the job, but we shall see what happens.”
Brendan Rodgers was given the evidence to argue Liverpool are in possession of the best strike partnership in the country as Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge dismantled Sunderland’s defence.
Sturridge scored one goal and created two more for Suárez, who
notched his first goals since returning from a 10-game ban. Rodgers was thrilled with the way they complemented each other.
“I’m not sure there are two better in the league,” Rodgers said, after Liverpool moved to within two points of leaders Arsenal. “There are some wonderful partnerships around. You’ve got [Robin] van Persie and [Wayne] Rooney at Manchester United, but those two are right up there with the best.
“I think they’ll only get better. We’ve done a lot of work with them together in training and they were very bright. They’re two different types of player which makes them very difficult to defend against. One has pace, two good feet and power, the other is a wriggler and can shift his body very quickly and get into the box. The dynamics are very, very good.”
Rodgers had his problems with Suárez over the summer as the Uruguayan tried his best to force Liverpool to sell him to Arsenal, but he has nothing but praise for his attitude since he was prevented from leaving. “He isn’t fazed by much,” Rodgers said. “He has a remarkable mentality, his determination, the steel of his mindset, is phenomenal.
“He is so focused. It’s great for the team and the supporters to have him back. I offered him the chance to go back to Uruguay when he wasn’t working at the training ground, but he wanted to stay so he was in the best shape possible [when his ban ended]. Our supporters deserve to see somebody of that quality playing, not sat in the stand, and that’s something we are working very hard with him on.”
Suárez may grab the attention, but the performance of the Englishman alongside him will be far more pertinent to supporters elsewhere in the country, as well as national manager Roy Hodgson.
Sturridge was once again superb, as dangerous when he drifted out wide as he was playing through the middle and Hodgson will be praying he stays fit for the crucial World Cup qualifiers next month.
“All Daniel needed was to play games and get some confidence,” Rodgers said. “It hasn’t been hard to work with him. He is an outstanding talent, he is an outstanding footballer and England are very fortunate to have him.”
Black Cats owner Ellis Short has the future of Sunderland in his hands
So, Sunderland lost. Is anyone really that surprised?
Kevin Ball’s side put in a dogged performance against Liverpool and looked bright going forward, but they were eventually undone by a side buoyed by the return of the controversial Luis Suarez.
To be completely downbeat would not be a genuine reflection of Sunderland’s application though, as the home side genuinely looked a threat on the attack but some poor defensive play would prove to be their downfall.
Then again this was a Black Cats back line which was extremely reminiscent of the very back four which proved not to be up to scratch last term, despite the mass influx of players over the summer.
The fact that we are still having to shoehorn Craig Gardner and Jack Colback into the full-back positions is nothing short of criminal and continues to infuriate. This is before even mentioning Kieren Westwood, who still flatters to deceive, but hey, at least we have Vito Mannone to fall back on!
Liverpool found themselves two goals to the good come half-time courtesy of Daniel Sturridge’s elbow and a Luis Suarez tap-in following some inept defending from the returning Carlos Cuellar.
This despite Sunderland putting in arguably their best performance of the season.
Ellis Short’s desire to take his time and do his homework over the new manager’s appointment should be admired
Sunderland would rally following the break and piled forward in search of a way back into the game and their persistence was rewarded when a stinging drive was palmed back into the path of an onrushing Emanuelle Giaccherini, who slotted the ball home with ease.
In fact come the hour-mark Sunderland had managed an impressive nineteen shots on target to Liverpool’s nine, however as is often the case, statistics failed to tell the true story and Brendan Rodgers’ men would go on to kill the game off in the 88th minute as Suarez completed his brace
Sunderland find themselves heading into October without a single victory to their name or even a manager to steady the ship. Brilliant.
With the bookmakers seemingly making a new candidate favourite for the vacant managerial hot seat with each passing day, Sunderland look no closer to appointing a successor to the ill-fated Paolo Di Canio.
However, in fairness, Ellis Short’s desire to take his time and do his homework over the new manager’s appointment should be admired.
This is a judgement call which will go a long way to determining the future of this football club and is one that the American simply can’t afford to get wrong.
So, as night follows day and as predictable as another controversial Miley Cyrus music video, Sunderland look no closer to beating the drop and while there still remains plenty of time to address the decline, this is a club with no direction until a new manager is appointed.
Daniel Sturridge ADMITS opener came off his arm as Liverpool down Sunderland
LIVERPOOL striker Daniel Sturridge conceded that his first goal during the Reds' 3-1 win over Sunderland went in 'off his arm'.
Sturridge appeared to have headed home Liverpool's opener at the Stadium of Light fairly, but replays suggested Steven Gerrard's corner went in off his arm.
And the England international admitted after the game that he had accidentally handled in order to score.
"It's a great ball from Stevie, it's gone over the defender's head and it was last minute, I've obviously tried to head it but I guess my heading's not good enough," Sturridge said.
"The ball's just gone in off my arm but I wouldn't do that on purpose. Sometimes these things happen."
Sturridge also lauded Suarez's return to top-flight action, adding: "It's great to have him back in, he gives us options and he's one of the best forwards in the league. We form a good partnership."
Suarez added to Sturridge's first goal with two close-range efforts for Liverpool, with Emanuele Giaccherini slotting a consolation for Sunderland.
I missed the ball [and] its gone in off my arm
Daniel Sturridge
QPR's Steve McClaren set for Derby with Gus Poyet destined for Sunderland
FORMER England boss and ex-Manchester United assistant Steve McClaren is set for a return to Derby after Nigel Clough’s shock sacking.
McClaren, who had a short, unhappy period in charge at Derby’s East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest, first made his name with the Rams as No2 to manager Jim Smith.
He is now favourite to return ahead of Gus Poyet – who looks destined to take charge at Sunderland – Tony Pulis, Alex McLeish and Martin O’Neill.
Clough, 47, who had been in charge since January 2009, was axed after the 1-0 derby defeat at Forest on Saturday that left his side in 14th place in the Championship.
Moyes is now favourite to return ahead of Gus Poyet.
A board statement said: “We feel it is time to move Derby County forward to the next level. The ownership group remain steadfastly committed to the club and maintain their desire to compete at the top end of the Championship this season.”
McClaren is available despite holding a coaching role at QPR and seen as a manager who can both work with and improve the current style of play without vast expenditure.
Clough followed in his late father Brian’s footsteps in managing Derby and had a tough job reviving a club relegated from the Premier League in 2008.
Rumour Mill: Rangers protests | Messi out | Souttar to Sunderland?
Rangers supporters have been urged to continue their protests against the current board at Ibrox, Messi has been ruled out of Barcelona’s clash against Celtic at Parkhead and Sunderland look set to increase their offer for Dundee United’s John Souttar.
Rangers fans urged to continue protests
The shareholders group looking to force their way onto the Ibrox board have urged supporters to continue protesting in order to keep the pressure on the current Ibrox regime. Director Paul Murray and Jim McColl are set to unveil their alternative vision for the club this week. Rangers supporters protested inside and outside the stadium on Saturday where Ally McCoist’s side thrashed Stenhousemuir 8 - 0. (Mail)
Neymar to line up in place of Messi against Celtic
Barcelona’s £50m summer signing - the Brazilian forward Neymar - is poised to lead the line against Celtic in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
Messi picked up a thigh injury after scoring the first goal in his side’s 2 - 0 win over Almeria on Saturday and is expected to be out for up to three weeks.
(Scotsman)
• Barcelona will also be without Javier Mascherano , Jordi Alba and Carles Puyol
• Efe Ambrose says he is confident that Celtic can pull off another shock result against Barcelona tomorrow following their 2 - 1 victory over the Catalans last season in the Champions League
• Celtic’s match against Barcelona will be shown live on STV (kick-off 7.45pm)
• Barcelona’s 2 - 0 win over Almeria was their seventh win in seven games this season
• Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez says his side have learned their lesson and will not be on the end of another defeat in Glasgow.
He said: “If we don’t win I think it will be a big surprise”.
Sunderland set to increase bid for Dundee United’s Souttar
Sunderland are expected to come back with an improved offer for Dundee United’s John Souttar. The Black Cats had a £400,000 offer turned down by the Tannadice club for the 17 year-old but are expected to increase their offer in order to push the deal through. (Record)
Players vow to rally round St Mirren boss Danny Lennon
Gary Harkins vowed to start winning games for St Mirren and save under-fire manager Danny Lennon from the sack. Lennon could be axed if he fails to pull off a result against Aberdeen tonight. The Buddies have picked up just 1 point from 6 games this season. (Record)
Celtic handed Ajax boost
Ajax striker Bojan Krkic limped off with hamstring injury during his side’s 6 - 0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles which could mean months out on the sidelines and that he is set to miss his side’s double header against Celtic in the Champions League. (Express)
Samaras “world class” says Celtic manager Neil Lennon
Georgios Samaras scored his first hat-trick in 3 years at the Parkhead club as Celtic secured a comfortable 5 - 2 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park . Samaras was backed by his manager for his performance with the Greek international adding that Celtic will need to be more “clinical” than they were during their 2 - 0 loss against AC Milan in the Champions League earlier this month. (Scotsman)
COMMENT:
Alan Pattullo: Moyes in need of more positivity
“Saturday’s defeat by West Bromwich Albion was surprising only in that it wasn’t completely surprising. Manchester United appear to be denuded at the moment and Moyes is already looking like one of the loneliest men on the planet. Relief does at least come in the form of Manchester City, who have somehow managed to lose to both Cardiff City and Aston Villa already this season.”
IN BRIEF
• Norwich manager Chris Hughton has challenged former Celtic striker Gary Hooper to replicated his SPL scoring form in the Premiership against “better players”
Sunderland chairman Ellis Short should appoint Tony Pulis to save the club from relegation.
Sunderland are taking their time searching for a new manager which, given their perilous league position, is as understandable as it is sensible, but should owner Ellis Short taking another risk after the disaster of Paolo Di Canio or play it safe?
The Black Cats, even at this early stage of the season, are in trouble. They have a bigger squad than the one that finished fourth from bottom last season, but they have a weaker starting XI.
Of their four best players last season, three have left – Simon Mignolet, Danny Rose and Stephane Sessegnon – and one, Steven Fletcher, is injured.
They have been involved in relegation battles for the last two seasons and while they have ultimately managed to avoid the drop, they may not be so lucky this time.
That is why the next managerial appointment is so crucial and it is why Sunderland would be foolish to ignore managers with a proven track record in the Premier League.
It feels ridiculous to say Sunderland are in relegation danger after just six games. It seems ludicrous for a manager to be sacked five league games in to a season – but things have gone horribly wrong and while Di Canio has rightly taken much of the blame, others are culpable.
Director of Football Roberto De Fanti recommended Di Canio and signed 14 players over the summer.
Of those, only three started for Sunderland against Liverpool at the weekend and only one, the Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini, has offered a persuasive argument he is better than what they already had.
There is sense in trying to find value in the transfer market, but Sunderland’s transfer business feels like quality has been sacrificed for quantity. Since Niall Quinn departed, Short has placed a huge amount of power in the hands of De Fanti, a former agent who has never occupied such a key role at a football club before.
Caretaker manager, Kevin Ball, has not criticised Di Canio, De Fanti, or Short, mainly because he would like to be considered for the manager’s job on a permanent basis, but sometimes actions speak louder than words.
With the exception of Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore and Ki Sung-Yueng, Ball has selected the same players Martin O’Neill had to put his faith in before he was sacked in March.
De Fanti may well have saddled Sunderland with a lot of players who are simply not good enough. The new manager has a huge job on his hands.
So far, owner Short has spoken to former Brighton boss Gus Poyet and former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen. Both have good reputations, both are regarded as innovative coaches and both could prove to be fine Sunderland managers, but neither have managed in the top flight before and, therefore, will be something of a gamble.
That seems to be the route Short wants to take. Poyet has style, kudos and a big name thanks to his playing career with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but he is very similar to Di Canio in that he has had success at a relatively small club in the lower leagues and left them in acrimonious circumstances.
Meulensteen is a revered coach and has a glittering, trophy-laden stint at Manchester United on his CV, but he was only an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Both have their appeal, but there are other candidates. Not as fashionable, perhaps, and not foreign but managers who have achieved far more in the game than either of those interviewed so far.
Steve McClaren did so well as manager of Middlesbrough he got the England job. Regardless of what happened to him after that, he did some remarkable things on Teesside.
In Holland, he won the title with FC Twente. He appears to be on his way to Derby County because Sunderland still haven’t been in touch to offer him an interview.
Then there is Tony Pulis. Few managers are likely to divide public opinion as much as the man who transformed Stoke City from a mid-table Championship side to an established Premier League club who have reached an FA Cup Final and played in Europe.
Stoke parted company with Pulis in the summer because they “wanted to go in a different direction”. In other words, they had grown tired of the direct football and did not feel the team were going to improve under him, despite significant spending in the transfer market.
Pulis was a victim of his own success and there are those at Sunderland who simply cannot accept the Welshman’s brand of football.
Sunderland fans like to think theirs is a bigger club than Stoke and capable of far more, yet Stoke consistently finished above Sunderland in the Premier League while Pulis was in charge.
They also reached the final of a major cup competition and played in Europe, things Sunderland can only dream of as things stand.
I can understand why some people will be reluctant, but Pulis should not be discounted on the basis of fashions and trends. He is a fine manager who kept Stoke out of relegation trouble year after year. In Sunderland’s current predicament, they could do a lot worse than that.
Short appears reluctant to go British again. He sacked Steve Bruce, who has steered Hull City back into the Premier League and up to seventh in the table since departing Wearside.
He replaced him with O’Neill, a manager who had been successful at every club he’d managed, and sacked him after just 18 months because he was worried about relegation.
This will be the American’s third manager in three years and if Short doesn’t get this one right, he will own a Championship club with a Premier League wage bill on the verge of financial meltdown. No wonder he doesn’t know whether to take a risk or play it safe.
Paolo Di Canio denies bust-up with players caused Sunderland exit.
Former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio insists his sacking was not a result of a training ground row with his players.
The Italian, 45, was sacked on 22 September with the Black Cats bottom of the Premier League table.
"There was no training ground bust-up as some are reporting," said Di Canio.
"Many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers."
Di Canio replaced Martin O'Neill at Sunderland on 31 March and guided them to Premier League safety as they won two of their final seven games - including a 3-0 win at rivals Newcastle.
The Italian brought in 14 players over the summer but Sunderland struggled at the start of this season, losing four of their first five league games.
"When I joined the club last season with the aim of saving them from relegation, I was happy to be offered the opportunity to manage in the Premier League," added Di Canio.
"I walked into a challenging situation but achieved what I was asked to do, the highlight of which was the fantastic performance and win against Newcastle, which is something I will always remember.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped [this season], but I felt as a team we could turn things around."
During his spell at Sunderland, Di Canio was often criticised for his treatment of players.
He publicly criticised members of his squad at the end of last season, and accused some of his players of "not having the right desire" after the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in August.
Di Canio's last game in charge of Sunderland was a 3-0 loss at West Bromwich Albion on 21 September, a result that prompted him to walk over to the away end at the Hawthorns and make 'chin up' gestures.
He was sacked the following day after players approached Sunderland's chief executive Margaret Byrne to complain about him.
"I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can," Di Canio said.
"When things like this happen, it is important to take something positive from it. I have learned a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job."
There was no bust up and I'll be back! Di Canio denies Sunderland rift and wants an instant return to management after sacking
Paolo Di Canio has broken his silence on his sacking from Sunderland.
And the former head coach, sacked by owner Ellis Short after a players’ revolt, has denied there was any training ground bust-up and said he should have been given longer by the American billionaire.
Di Canio was sacked by bottom club Sunderland after their defeat at West Bromwich Albion, which had ended with a bizarre confrontation on the pitch with the club supporters.
A day later, after calling another team meeting with his unhappy players, Di Canio was stripped of his role.
After a week of legal wranglings, the former Swindon boss released a lengthy statement explaining his departure, and denying there had been any confrontation with his players.
His statement read: 'When I joined the club last season with the aim of saving them from relegation I was happy to be offered the opportunity to manage in the Premier League. I walked into a challenging situation but achieved what I was asked to do, the highlight of which was the fantastic performance and win against Newcastle, which is something I will always remember.
'When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team.
'As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire.
'There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue. There was no training ground bust up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers.
'We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around.
'I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can. When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job.
'Even though my time at the club ended prematurely, I would like to thank Sunderland for giving me my first opportunity to be a Premier League manager.'
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 12:37
Di Canio stopped players drinking coke at any time, stopped them having a takeaway at any time, stopped them speaking to staff. Now I know players actually went on holiday with some of the staff, so imagine yourself at work, you are mates with someone in a different department, new boss comes in and says you cant speak to him. Imagine Saturday night in with your family, you cant have a takeaway. Whilst Bardsley's twitter comments were abhorrent, he should never wear the shirt again, Di Canio went too far, So what he won the league after 1 point in 5 games, Does that mean we were on course for a Premier League title, let's get real, the man had some good ideals but was a control freak to an extreme obviously unbearable to the players. He cannot communicate in a civilised manner, do you think these players rebelled against a regime that was likely to bring success?
Sunderland defender John O'Shea backs Kevin Ball to be a popular manager among the players should he take Black Cats job.
Ball is currently caretaker manager at the Stadium of Light and O'Shea has admitted that he's already made an impact of the squad after Paolo Di Canio's sacking
John O'Shea believes that Kevin Ball would be a popular appointment with the players if he was handed the Sunderland job on a permanent basis.
Ball saw his spell as interim head coach at the Stadium of Light extended on Monday as the club confirmed that he would remain in charge for Saturday's match against Manchester United.
The 48-year-old, who was initially asked to take up the reins for the Capital One Cup win over Peterborough and Sunday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Liverpool, will continue in the role as the club run the rule over a series of potential replacements for Paolo Di Canio.
Di Canio's departure from Wearside eight days ago was an acrimonious one with O'Shea confirming that the dressing room had played a part in the 45-year-old's demise.
But the Black Cats showed plenty of spirit on Sunday against the Reds and defender O'Shea would have no problem with Ball being handed the top job.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "Without a doubt, he's made an impact. If it does happen, the players would be very happy.
"But we will wait and see what the club decides."
Sunderland are continuing to evaluate a series of potential candidates for the vacancy with Gus Poyet, Rene Meulensteen and senior professional development coach Ball, who has indicated his own interest in filling the role on a permanent basis, figuring prominently in the betting.
However, chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed that discussions with several contenders have already taken place and talks with others will be held this week, and it appears an appointment is not imminent.
Ball launched his spell in charge with a 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Posh on Tuesday evening, but was unable to repeat the feat against sterner opposition on Sunday.
Sunderland played a full part in the game, but were ultimately undone by the brilliance of the returning Luis Suarez and strike-partner Daniel Sturridge.
Ball was disappointed by the result, but hugely encouraged by the performance of his players in front of the watching owner Ellis Short.
He said: "That's something that whenever you come away from the Stadium of Light, no matter who is in charge, whatever the club, we have always got to see that.
"That's something that I would drum into the players in future, we must see that all the time.
"People must go away from here, irrespective of what happens, and away from home as well knowing full well that their team has put in a shift, and today, they can say that."
John O'Shea confirms Sunderland players' revolt against Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland defender John O'Shea has confirmed that several players made a stand to call for Paolo Di Canio to lose his job as manager at the Stadium of Light.
Di Canio was sacked last weekend by Sunderland 24 hours after the defeat to West Brom amid reports that a number of players led a revolt against the Italian complaining to the club's hierarchy about his style of management.
Black Cats skipper O'Shea has now admitted the players voiced their concerns to the club about Di Canio which in the end led to the Italian's sacking, with Kevin Ball stepping in as interim manager.
Asked if Sunderland's players felt something needed to be done about Di Canio's regime, O'Shea told the Shields Gazette: "That was obviously done. But we have to move on now.
"Because of the position we're in in the league, we can't keep going back to it.
"We've got some difficult months ahead.
"Whoever comes in, whether it's Bally (Kevin Ball) or a new manager, we've got tough times ahead.
"We have to stick together and if we keep going back to it, it'll soon be too hard to pull back from where we are."
JACK COLBACK insists his former academy coach Kevin Ball has the qualities needed to be a Premier League manager.
Sunderland have confirmed that caretaker boss Ball will remain in charge for Saturday’s visit of Manchester United, while the Black Cats hierarchy consider their options over a successor to the sacked Paolo Di Canio.
Gus Poyet is still the firm front-runner to succeed Di Canio, while ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is also in contention, but Ball will have another opportunity to stake his claim against the reigning Premier League champions.
Former Sunderland skipper Ball is eager to be appointed on a permanent basis, despite his experience of front-line management being limited to two temporary stints in charge of the club he has served for two decades.
And Colback, who played under Ball at Under-18 level, says the 48-year-old would gain the support of the Sunderland dressing room, if owner Ellis Short opts to appoint from within.
Colback told the Echo: “I’ve worked with Bally a lot and he’d certainly be the one person who would love the job more than anyone.
“The fans love him too.
“The decision is obviously nothing to do with me, but while he’s here, he’ll get everyone’s support and commitment.
“I think it’s obvious to see he’s got the attributes of a manager.
“As a player, he showed why he was captain of teams. He’s that sort of guy.
“He’s a leader and everyone gets fired up.
“Everyone respects him and I think that’s the most important thing. We have respect for him and he has respect for us.
“It’s made a big difference since he’s come in and the players really want to do well for him, the fans and the club.”
Colback is the second member of the Sunderland squad to back Ball’s claims after skipper John O’Shea expressed similar sentiments.
The left-back has been impressed by Ball’s impact on performances after inheriting a side languishing at the foot of the Premier League table.
And although Sunderland were unable to alter that perilous situation in Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool, Colback believes there were signs of progress.
“Obviously it didn’t work out (under Di Canio)” added the 23-year-old.
“Bally is in now and it’s been good since he took over.
“He got a good result in the cup and we went into the Liverpool game with confidence.
“We were hoping to get some points, but it didn’t happen and everyone just needs to stay positive, the fans as well.
“I know it’s difficult for them when the team is losing, but if they stick with us, we’ll certainly give 100 per cent every game.
“And I think if we played like we did in the second half for periods, then we’ll be fine.”
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 12:41
>>550 I wonder who put our Jack up for this interview? He would not have been allowed to speak to the press with out club approval.
And is the echo taking an off the cup reply to a loaded question and printing it in a way that gives it greater substance that it actually had?
A look at five contenders to replace the sacked Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light
When Sunderland sacked Paolo Di Canio after just 13 games in charge on 23 September, it provided the north-east club with several problems.
Lying bottom of the table with just one point from five games was one of them, but turning their back on a manager who was allowed to invest heavily over the summer just five games into the new Premier League season was arguably the biggest issue.
Although the enigmatic Italian had a tendency to turn the limelight onto himself, and his dismissal was the result of a rumoured player revolt, it was not the treatment befitting of a man who came in and prevented a seemingly inevitable landslide to the Championship last season. The same man who went to St. James' Park and watched his side win 3-0 in their arch rivals back yard.
But football is a cruel game for managers, and for the next permanent name through the door at the Stadium of Light has the task of not only steering the side away from the foot of the table, but getting a squad overhauled this summer, to gel in the process.
Here is a look at the five frontrunners for the job:
1. Gus Poyet - Unattached. Odds: 4/9 (Favourite)
Gus Poyet's departure at Brighton at the end of last season threatened to undermine all the good work that the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder had done at the Seagulls during his near four-year spell at the club.
The Uruguayan had turned Brighton into one of the most stylish outfits outside of the Premier League, providing fans a side made of both substance and flair, with his reign starting with steering Brighton away from the League One relegation zone, and ending with a Championship play-off defeat to Crystal Palace at the end of last season.
Seemingly Poyet felt he had gone as far as he could in the position, and reportedly told his players just that, which led to his unsavoury departure from the club.
A manager with ambition and a solid start to his managerial career, sounds exactly like the former manager Di Canio, but expect a more humble and less outspoken approach if Poyet is successful. Many reports suggest it is all but signed, that Poyet is next in the hotseat, but with Kevin Ball in charge for another weekend, things could change.
2. Rene Meulensteen - Unattached. Odds: 10/1
Many Manchester United fans were disappointed to hear of the departure of Rene Meulensteen following the arrival of David Moyes and his own staff following the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson.
What has followed for Meulensteen since then has been far away from the smooth running and success of his time as United's first-team coach. Shortly following his arrival as Guus Hiddink's assistant coach at Anzhi Makhachkala, the Dutchman replaced his compatriot following Hiddink's resignation, to be sacked just 16 days later by owner Suleman Kerimov, as the Russian attempted to undo all his big spending due to lack of instant success.
A world-class coach, the Dutchman has not yet cut his teeth into the world of management, with short spells in Qatar and Brondby his only experience.
Would certainly improve Sunderland on the training ground, but may lack the managerial presence in the dugout.
3. Kevin Ball - Sunderland Caretaker Manager. Odds: 10/1
The man currently minding the Sunderland hotseat, Ball is no stranger to the position of caretaker.
Following the dismissal of Mick McCarthy in 2006, Ball stepped in for the remaining 10 games of a poor season for the club, before throwing his hat into contention for the job permanently, only to be ruled out by Niall Quinn's desire for a world-class manager.
Given the job again, Ball has the same ambition - but expect the same outcome.
However, Ball knows the club inside out, spending the vast majority of his playing career, and almost all of his non-playing career at the club, there would be far more unpopular choices than the former Mackem.
Given the reigns for two games already, a third game against Manchester United has also been given to Ball to take charge of. If a manager has not been named by then already, Ball could do his chances no harm with a result against the champions.
4. Gianfranco Zola - Watford. Odds: 12/1
The smiling Italian has become a fan favourite at current club Watford, falling just short of promotion last season. The former Chelsea midfielder looks set to make another charge with his Watford side to reach the heights of the Premier League. A move to Sunderland could provide that platform for Zola.
With Premier League experience behind him, Zola was a popular man at West Ham too, before his dismissal in 2010. A likeable figure amongst most football fans, the Italian would almost certainly be a popular choice with the Sunderland fans.
The fact he is Italian could also be of benefit, a possibility to continue the work Di Canio set upon but with less outrageousness, it could also provide marquee summer signing Emanuele Giaccherini a figurehead compatriot to truly settle in to English life.
Zola himself, however, has distanced himself from the position, seemingly happy to continue what he was doing at Watford, which makes it highly likely Zola won't be moving up north in the near future.
5. Murat Yakin - Basel. Odds: 14/1
One half of the Yakin brothers, Murat Yakin is arguably the most managerially experienced out of the five frontrunners, having been manager of three Swiss teams in the past four years.
Although he may be somewhat the unknown name thrown into the hat, Yakin comes with his credentials. Taking over from Heiko Vogel during the 2012/13 season, Yakin managed to guide Basel to their 16th Swiss league title, and so far in the new league season, Basel sit top again.
The transition in both style and quality to the Premier League is arguably the biggest risk to Yakin's chances, but the former Swiss international has faced challenges from Premier League opposition, and has done his reputation no harm; defeating Tottenham in the Europa League quarter-finals last season, then initially taking charge in the Europa League semi-final second leg against Chelsea, before falling 5-2 on aggregate.
A move to the Premier League could one day materialise for Yakin, but expect the Basel manager to fall short this time round.
There are other names with further odds that could also be of some interest to Sunderland fans. Tony Pulis, despite his long-ball reputation, is definitely a man who could stabilise their season. He is priced at around 20/1, the same price as the early favourite Roberto Di Matteo, a man with a Champions League winners' medal as a manager has seemingly distanced himself from the position, with reports he is 'unconvinced' at the job.
But all the odds seemingly point in the way of Gus Poyet, a manager who has certainly earned an opportunity at the top level.
With 33 games to go, the Uruguayan would have time to put it right, but would also need to hit the ground running or risk losing huge ground to the teams above them. Despite the other three frontrunners, it looks as though it will be only Kevin Ball who offers a serious challenge to Poyet's inevitable arrival, but with United next in the league, Ball may not get the chance to lay any more serious contention to the top job.
For all of Di Canio's live-wire entertainment, Sunderland need stability or they could once again face another mass exodus of players this summer. This time however, to drop their wage bill for life in the second tier.
The man with a personality so large he makes Balotelli look like Owen (whose performances as a pundit on BT Sport has been hilariously described as “like listening to paint dry”).
Did you know Paolo once won a talent contest to play Zorro on a national television series? Me neither.
Mayhem
Wherever he goes mayhem ensues and his latest victim is Sunderland football club.
I should know. I’m a Sheffield Wednesday fan who pinpoints Di Canio’s infamous push on referee Alcock as the beginning of a slide that is yet to relinquish for my beloved Owls.
Admittedly, Di Canio is one of the best to grace Hillsborough but some of his actions over a career marred with controversy are difficult to defend, even if Alcock’s dramatisation of the push was given a nine by guest judge Ashley Young.
Di Canio later diffused the situation, as usual, by saying Alcock went over “like a drunken clown”.
Di Canio Speak
In any interview you can hear Di Canio speaking eloquently in his favourite narrative mode, the third person. Talking of his weird shrugging in front of the travelling fans on his last game in charge Di Canio mused, “even on this day, Di Canio wanted to see the faces of the fans”.
Generally, David Pettinger dislikes speaking in the third person, it makes me sound egotistical. However I can make an exemption for the enigmatic Italian, where it seems perfectly apt for this outspoken character, especially when it’s paired with exaggerated hand movements under his chin.
This is basically a career in stories article to salute (not a fascist one) the entertainment value of the Italian but also to denounce his managerial credentials to Chairmen with managerial vacancies.
The Beginning
Di Canio has always loved his boyhood team of Lazio, so much so that on his return in 2004 he said, “I was unable to control my thoughts or my actions. I lost the power of speech. And yet I kept on crying like a baby”. This was where it all started.
Lazio Ultras
As a boy he was called “Palloca”, slang that’s roughly translated to lard-ball, mainly due to his addiction to fizzy drinks. In his town, Roma fans ruled and Di Canio wanted to be different and joined the Lazio Ultras. In this extreme supporters group he saw “bricks thrown”, has been “tear-gassed and beaten by police” and “saw a police chief knifed from five yards away”. Not to mention this was all whilst he was playing for the youth team.
Next was a move to Juventus where he developed an unfortunate susceptibility to panic attacks. After he joined, the inevitable Di Canio payer-manager row came, this time with ex-Ireland boss Trapattoni, which resulted in a move to Naples. He then miraculously managed to get on with Lippi for a while before Capello came along.
young 2524290k Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories
Capello Row
Capello and Paolo came to loggerheads at a meaningless pre-season friendly. After Capello had already agreed a move to Madrid he was, for some reason, desperate to win and replaced Di Canio with a defender when 1-0 up in front of a capacity crowd.
Di Canio, apparently the man of the people, denounced this change as a war on entertainment, which resulted in full on fisticuffs. It should be said this is Di Canio’s account but, from his England tenure, this does sound like the Fabio we all know and dislike.
Hurricane Paolo Visits Scotland
Hurricane Paolo steamrolled its way to Scotland and the forecast wasn’t pretty. The most ridiculous of his tenure here was probably his accusation that Scottish referees were biased against Celtic because “90%” of them are protestant. After his commitment with Celtic was questioned he gave the club a resounding backing by saying he has “little problem there”, before demanding higher wages and earning a move to the Premier League with Wednesday.
Sheffield Wednesday
Like usual, Di Canio dazzled fans for a season or two before doing something outlandish like manhandling a referee. Unlike Liverpool in Suarez’s race row, Wednesday manager Wilson decided to take a moral stance (at Wednesday’s cost) to cut all ties with Di Canio and send him back to Italy. Wilson later admitted he had no idea where he was before selling him to the Hammers in a cut price deal.
Di Canio found refuge in East London. Although Redknapp still had trouble managing the mercurial Roman, as you can see in the video below.
Homecoming
Then there was the Lazio homecoming. Once home, Di Canio received an invitation to a pleasant evening meal with the then Lazio Chairman but “inside the restaurant, I feel my anger rising. I start to scream like a madman. I turn the buffet table over. I start throwing things. The room is full of flying objects: plates, bottles and forks. Everything is flying; anything I can lay my hands on, I throw. I go up to the coach’s table and I start kicking it. They look at me as if I am mad.“
They just don’t understand you Paolo.
Management
If I was in the Career Advice sector and Di Canio was my next customer having finished his playing career, I wouldn’t have advised football management. However Swindon disagreed and rolled the dice with Paolo.
samsung 31 Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories
Politics
The fascism stories resurfaced and sponsors pulled out, much like after his future appointment at Sunderland but on a smaller scale. He claims he is a fascist, not a racist. These two terms are generally synonymous however they are not identical. Thankfully for Di Canio, Fascism is a term that is much used but below the surface its explanation is indefinite, complex and differs according to interpretation.
He has put out mixed messages regarding his political inclination and keeps the extent of his political views close to his chest (or his tattooed back) and although it is clear he has affection for Mussolini and his right wing politics, we just don’t know how much.
Swindon Stories
There are so many stories from his time as Swindon manager it’s best to bullet point.
He promised to get the Swindon badge tattooed on himself if Swindon won League Two which they did. He then said he couldn’t make anymore promises like this because he plans on winning many trophies with the Robins and will therefore have no room left on his body.
After drawing against Hartlepool Di Canio said “we were stupid and donkeys”.
He subbed young goalkeeper Foderingham after 20 minutes then gave this interview after the game (click to see the great post-match interview)
He had a fight in the tunnel with his own player Leon Clarke after he tried to diffuse an argument between his fitness coach and Clarke.
He resigned after promising to resign if there was no takeover. He and his backroom staff then crept back into his office in the late hours to remove pictures from his old office and were caught on CCTV.
Success
Regardless of these incidents, his strict regime at Swindon led to some great results. The Robins won League Two and were doing well in League One when he left. They seemed to respond to his disciplined, almost dictatorial style. I think the fact he was so revered as a player maybe meant the lower league players were more receptive to him and his regime.
Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories Part II
Sunderland
This was not the case at Sunderland. After keeping them up last year and a major summer clearout, the players had had enough of his dictatorial style. The senior players led a revolt and it was clear there was no other option.
His antics at Sunderland made his hero Mussolini look left wing. He banned mobile phones, ketchup, mayonnaise, singing and ice in drinks.
His man management method is summed up by his quote, “I told them we can win, draw or lose with dignity, respecting the club’s name and fans. But, if not, I will reduce their holiday”, which, in a way, is fairly refreshing.
DICANIOgoal 2929631 200x104 Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories
What next Paolo?
It seems to be the Premier League players were a little less enamoured by Di Canio than the Swindon players were and therefore less inclined to put up with his techniques. I think this is the key for Di Canio and if he ever wants to be a Premier League manager he will have to abandon his dictatorial principles. However, he could become useful again for a club in the lower leagues with seemingly limitless patience. Don’t even think about it Wednesday.
Classic Di Canio Quotes
“One second, Winterburn is barking at me like a dog. The next he is wetting his pants. All I did was look at him.”
“Doping in England is restricted to lager and baked beans with sausages. After which the players take to the field belching and farting.”
“Totti had said that he wouldn’t sit at the same table and have dinner with me. I said that was no great loss, because if you tell Totti that there are tensions in the Middle East, he’ll think that a fight has broken out on the right side of midfield.”
“When I was warming up, someone told me that my shorts were on backwards. I hadn’t noticed. Before the game, the manager said: ‘Come on Paolo, put them right.’ ‘No way!’ I told him. ‘Are you crazy?’ he said. But I knew it was a sign. We won 2-1 at Upton Park, I scored both and we beat Arsenal for the first time in 14 years.”
“I’ve said that from now if someone comes inside with a mobile phone, even in their bag, I’ll throw it in the North Sea. They’re banned.”
“Normally I can tell you I’m very angry, but today it was difficult – it was too poor that it was really difficult to say something. I don’t think that even the most arrogant player in the world could argue if you said the first two goals were absolute rubbish.”
‘The shopping is not finished and before the pre-season starts I would like to bring in another two players. I like shopping, maybe I have become a woman.”
(Regarding comments from Steve Evans) “I’ve never heard his name. I don’t have anything to say to a person who is one of a million people talking about me in the world so I’m happy for him if he has one line in the national newspaper. I laughed in the face of 70,000 Man Utd fans when I scored, you could imagine what it would be like if I was worried by the words of him.”
(On his fear of flying) “The thought of dying in a plane crash is so difficult because there’s absolutely nothing you can do. According to the Samurai philosophy, there is always a chance that you can overcome a challenge.
Let’s say that you release some lions into this room…now, in the mind of a Samurai, there is always the possibility that you could beat them. Or at least do something. Like fight and die with honour.
Die like a warrior. But what can I do on a plane that’s crashing – fight the guy next to me? I’d rather take my chance with the lions.”
NOBODY seems sure quite where Sunderland are going in their search for Paolo Di Canio's successor, least of all themselves.
"There is no definitive timescale on an appointment, as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us," chief executive Margaret Byrne wrote in her programme notes yesterday.
"I am sure that you have read and heard all kinds of rumours and speculation about potential targets but much of this is guesswork."
However, Gus Poyet has emerged as the favourite to become Sunderland's fifth manager in six years.
Stuart Pearce, Gianfranco Zola and Rene Meulensteen all figure on the bookies' shortlist.
Caretaker Kevin Ball was 14/1 to land the post before yesterday. After this defeat, his chances must be slipping.
Owner Ellis Short had Di Canio in place within hours of ushering Martin O'Neill out of the door in March.
Following the Italian's chaotic 175-day reign, the American billionaire is being careful to undertake due diligence this time around.
Nevertheless, this latest setback left the club facing another fight with relegation and hastened the need for the right appointment.
Sunderland lie bottom, having collected just one point from six matches. And they are in danger of being cast adrift.
"We have had contact with some interested parties already and have others to speak to in the coming days," added Byrne.
But Ball would not command the kind of unwanted headlines Di Canio brought. Far from it.
Having spent 20 years at the club, as player, captain, Under-21 boss and now in his second spell as caretaker manager, he is seen by some as the right man at the right time.
There is no definitive timescale on an appointment, as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us
Chief executive Margaret Byrne
He was all smiles when he arrived at the Stadium of Light yesterday, warmly greeting the staff whom Di Canio instructed his players to ignore.
It is worth remembering that Ricky Sbragia was appointed as successor to Roy Keane after first serving as a caretaker. He lasted five months. But sometimes in life you get what you deserve - and Ball has served his apprenticeship.
Sadly, his players could not deliver the victory that would have given Short something to ponder. A greater assuredness in front of goal must be found.
vociferous crowd can work for and against Sunderland. The spirit of the old Roker Park briefly flickered, especially after Emanuele Giaccherini's goal.
One banner read: 'Bulgaria Mackems'. Another: 'Guernsey Branch'. That said much for the potential of the club.
But harnessing such desire and finally making Sunderland a force to be reckoned with ultimately proved beyond Keane, O'Neill and Steve Bruce.
The players' spirit was unquestionable yesterday, but that was not enough. Not for Sunderland and nor, perhaps, for Ball.
Di Canio denies training row led to Sunderland axe
London — Former Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio issued a statement Tuesday insisting there was "no training ground bust up" prior to his recent sacking.
"The players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers," di Canio said.
The fiery Italian was sacked as Sunderland manager on September 22 after barely six months in charge with the club bottom of the Premier League table, having helped the north-east club stave off relegation last season.
"I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can," he said.
"When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job."
Ellis Short, Sunderland's American owner, brought di Canio, well known in English football as a striker after spells at Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham, to Wearside after calling time on Martin O'Neill's stint in charge.
Di Canio's only previous experience as manager was at lower league Swindon, where he oversaw their promotion into English football's third tier.
A 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in his first game in charge was followed by a 3-0 north-east derby victory at Newcastle in his second, with the outspoken di Canio's knee-sliding victory celebration endearing him to Sunderland supporters.
But di Canio became the first English Premier League manager to lose his job this season when he was dismissed last month, a day after a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion left Sunderland bottom of the table.
There were reports players had threatened strike action if di Canio remained at the Stadium of Light, with the Daily Telegraph saying the final straw came after the West Brom loss when the manager was involved in a "furious two-hour row with his players" following their fourth defeat in five Premier League games.
However, di Canio said Tuesday: "There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue. There was no training ground bust up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers."
Di Canio brought in 14 new players before the start of the season but Sunderland took just one point from their first five league games.
It left di Canio lamenting Tuesday he was not given enough time to turn things around.
"When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team.
"As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire."
Sunderland's first league match under caretaker boss Kevin Ball was Sunday's 3-1 loss to Liverpool, a result that left the Black Cats two points adrift at the foot of the table.
Paolo Di Canio has broken his silence over his sacking by Sunderland to deny reports of a training ground bust-up and insist he should have been given more time at the Stadium of Light.
Di Canio was dismissed after just 13 games in charge following the 3-0 defeat at West Brom last month, amid suggestions some of the club's senior players had been instrumental in his removal.
But, in a statement, the Italian described the reports as "wholly untrue" - and repeated his belief that he was capable of turning the club's poor start to the season around.
Di Canio said: "There was no training ground bust-up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around."
Di Canio was widely credited with keeping Sunderland in the Premier League last season after replacing Martin O'Neill at the end of March.
He became an instant hero after inspiring a famous 3-0 win over north-east rivals Newcastle at St James's Park in only his second game in charge.
But despite bringing in 14 new players over the summer, his side took just a single point from their first five games of the new season.
Di Canio said: "When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team.
"As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire."
Former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has denied reports of a bust-up with his players and believes he deserved more time in charge of the Premier League strugglers, the Italian said in a statement on Tuesday.
Di Canio was sacked last month following Sunderland's 3-0 defeat by West Bromwich Albion, amid reports his players had said they would no longer play for him.
He left the club bottom of the Premier League with one point from five matches, having only won three of 13 games since replacing Martin O'Neill in March.
Media reports spoke of a player revolt at his abrasive management style and his public criticism of them, with issues allegedly coming to a head in a training-ground bust-up.
British newspapers said players, led by former captain Lee Cattermole, went to club owner Ellis Short to demand Di Canio's dismissal after an angry showdown with the controversial manager, after which he was sacked by telephone. "There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue," the 45-year-old said in a statement released to Sky Sports.
"There was no training ground bust-up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around."
He also pointed to the fact the club had brought in 14 new players, many of them from outside the Premier League, as well as his efforts in saving the club from relegation last season.
"As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire."
Di Canio, who started his playing career in Serie A before spending seven seasons in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Charlton Athletic, said that he wanted to manage in England again.
Sunderland remain bottom of the table having lost their one league match since Di Canio's dismissal to Liverpool under caretaker manager Kevin Ball.
Paolo Di Canio spat water in his own face in the dressing room rant that led to his sacking as Sunderland manager, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.
After his side's defeat to West Bromwich Albion, Di Canio took a drink of water, spat it in the air and let it fall on his face. He did this several times in front of his players.
The furious Italian reportedly yelled "that is what you have done to me - spat in my face" before ordering the players to carry out the strange act on themselves.
Di Canio then told players that if they were not happy with his methods, they should call Sunderland owner Ellis Short and complain.
A number of them took him up on the offer, reportedly leading to his sacking.
Di Canio released a statement on Tuesday to deny any claims of a bust-up with his players.
I did not fall out with players, insists axed Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio
Paolo Di Canio has issued a statement insisting there was ‘no training ground bust up’ leading to his dismissal as Sunderland boss.
The former Swindon manager was axed from the Stadium of Light following a 3-0 defeat to West Brom last month, after just six month in charge of the Black Cats.
But despite widespread reports a revolt from the players led to Di Canio’s sacking, he insists he remains on good terms with the Sunderland squad.
‘The players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers,’ said the Italian, who publicly criticised his players on several occasions.
‘I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can.
‘When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job.’
Sunderland, currently propping up the Premier League table, are believed to be on the brink of appointing former Brighton boss Gus Poyet as their third manager this year.
Paolo Di Canio denies 'training ground bust-up' as he speaks out for the first time on his Sunderland reign being 'unfairly cut short'
The Italian was dismissed after just five games of the new season
Paolo Di Canio has put across his side of the story for the first time since he was dismissed as manager of Sunderland.
The disposed manager claims many of the stories written about him and the end of his tenure are untrue, feels he was unfairly dismissed and has expressed a desire to return to management in England.
The Italian, who was drafted in late last term following the sacking of Martin O'Neill, was given just five games of the current campaign before being given his marching orders.
The Black Cats were winless at the time - and with just one point to their name - a position they remain in after Kevin Ball took caretaker charge of their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Stories emerged of player unrest at the Stadium of Light, with Di Canio's methods being labelled 'old school' and unworkable in the modern era. It emerged that senior players took their grievances to the Sunderland hierarchy after being challenged by Di Canio to do so. However, the Italian has played down those reports.
"There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue," he said in a statement. "There was no training ground bust up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers."
Sunderland escaped relegation last season thanks to two wins under Di Canio. One of those came against rivals Newcastle United, a moment Di Canio referred to as a "highlight" and "something I will always remember".
Over the summer, 14 new players were brought in to the club and Di Canio felt he deserved more time to work with and integrate the new arrivals.
"When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team. As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around.
Di Canio, whose only previous experience as a manager came at Swindon Town, hopes his time at Sunderland does not hamper his chances of landing another job in England.
"I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can. When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job.
"Even though my time at the club ended prematurely, I would like to thank Sunderland for giving me my first opportunity to be a Premier League manager."
Sunderland are yet to appoint a full-time replacement.
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Anonymous2013-10-01 13:52
Just the thought of Pulis being offered the opportunity to manage another club - at any level - makes me wanna vomit.
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Anonymous2013-10-01 13:57
Most of the current Sunderland squad appear to be taking the piss and if I were a fan I'd be disgusted by what's going on there.
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Anonymous2013-10-01 13:59
>>559 I don't particular interest to Sunderland or that I have any personal dislike for John O'Shea merely because he used to warm the Man United bench, every time I've seen him on the football pitch or open his Irish mouth to the press he smacks of a bloke who is going through the motions and views Sunderland AFC as a cushy pension fund rather than a new challenge.