The Martin O'Neill thread (with added sacking #2188)

[Mister E]

Is Di Canio confusing Sunderland with the Sudetenland?

Very good!

[paulcomben]

Di Canio officially a Mackem. Anything must therefore be possible.  What will he do with Titus Bramble?.,

[Davey B]

Di Canio officially a Mackem. Anything must therefore be possible.  What will he do with Titus Bramble?.,

Free transfer ...... i've seen roundabouts smaller than him.


Paolo Di Canio signs deal on Wearside.
Sunderland AFC have today announced the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as Head Coach.
The 44 year-old has agreed a two and a half year deal on Wearside and will take charge of the Black Cats from tomorrow (Monday).
Di Canio entered football management in 2011, taking charge of Swindon Town. During his tenure he guided the Robins to promotion and a Wembley final.
As a player he made more than 500 appearances, scoring over 100 goals. Beginning his career in his native Italy, he played for top sides Lazio, Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan before making a move to Celtic.
This was followed by stints in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton. During his time in English football he scored in excess of 60 goals.
Chairman Ellis Short 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.
“Our fans have shown tremendous patience and understanding this season. They have continued to back the team in huge numbers, both home and away, and that is something that continues to inspire all of us in our drive to give them the successful club they deserve.
“That remains our primary aim.”

http://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2013 ... -confirmed

[Mister E]

It's a bold appointment.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm hoping that completely blows up.

[David_Nab]

Me too as we need as many teams down the bottom as possible to help us stay up !!

[Davey B]

I'm hoping that completely blows up.

Off to a good start for you then!

http://davidmiliband.net/2013/03/statement-on-sunderland-afc-role/


David Miliband Member of Parliament for South Shields .......

Statement on Sunderland AFC role
March 31st, 2013

David Miliband said: “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. However, in the light of the new manager’s past political statements, I think it right to step down.”

[TheSandman]

What do you make of appointing Di Canio Davey?

[dave shelley]

What do you make of appointing Di Canio Davey?

See page 164.

[Davey B]

What do you make of appointing Di Canio Davey?

Underwhelmed to say the least. Relieved it isn't McClaren, i was prepared to stay away as long as he had the job, had he been given it. Di Canio will bring a spark, revitalize enthusiasm around the place and i'll back him as best i can, but i'm geniunelly disappointed in what is happening up here at the present time. I think we have just pissed a golden opportunity up the wall to be honest. Very, very, downhearted and disappointed.

[Toronto Villa]

He's going to give a lifetime of quotes, hand and facial gestures in the space of a few weeks. I don't know what's made him qualified to be a PL manager let alone one looking to stop an alarming slide into relegation. He's highly volatile with questionable methods, with a political position sure to alienate fans and players.

As a Villa fan I am fully in support of this appointment.

[SamTheMouse]

Respect to Miliband for wanting nothing to do with the fascist. Can't fault him there.

[neo_Villan]

I don't see how this appointment can 'blow up' TBH. Yes, they might go down, but MON was on course to take them down anyway. So it is a nothing to lose option. They probably also believe that if the worst happens, Di Canio is the man to bring them straight back up.

[dave shelley]

Despite your disappointment Davey, your optimism still shines through, sometimes you're a breath of fresh air.  A lot of us down here feel we have had the season from hell despite the optimism some of us felt at the start of the season.  I just wish I could feel as positive as you sometimes do but, it just aint happening for me, hard as I try.

I've no axe to grind with Sunderland and now MON has been consigned to the shit bin it's time to move on.

[richard moore]

He might just keep them up, you never know, but that is a recipe for disaster longer term. Dear me...