Former Hammers favourite Paolo Di Canio has been appointed as the new manager of Premier League strugglers Sunderland.
The 44-year-old Italian was confirmed tonight as the shock replacement for Martin O'Neill, who was fired less than 24 hours ago following the Black Cats' recent slump in form and slide towards the relegation zone.Sunderland Chairman Ellis Short, speaking via statement on the the club's website, said: "Paolo is hugely enthused by the challenge that lies ahead of him. He is passionate, driven and raring to get started.
"The sole focus of everyone for the next seven games will be to ensure we gain enough points to maintain our top-flight status. I think that the chances of that are greatly increased with Paolo joining us."
However the appointment of Di Canio has been far from universally welcomed. Within minutes of his appointment, - local MP David Miliband - a non-executive director at Sunderland - confirmed that he would be stepping down from his role.
"I wish Sunderland AFC all success in the future. It is a great institution that does a huge amount for the North East and I wish the team very well over the next vital seven games," he said.
"However, in the light of the new manager’s past political statements, I think it right to step down."
Miliband was of course referring to Di Canio's fascist leanings, which the Italian has never sought to deny. He counts Benito Mussolini as one of his idols and proudly displays the former Italian leader's name tatooed on his arm.
Di Canio pictured leaving Sunderland tonight (image: Shields Gazette)
The former West Ham forward, who spent four years at the club between 1999 and 2003 begins his quest to save the Black Cats from relegation with a trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend.
Thereafter, Sunderland - who have taken just three points from their last eight Premier League games - face Newcastle (a), Everton (h), Aston Villa (a), Stoke (h), Southampton (h) and Tottenham (a).
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