As a huge West Ham and Paolo Di Canio fan, I found this a very interesting and conflicting topic.
Two comments to me that make’s this a very interesting read are the following:
“The dream is once I am well know here and settled in this environment I would love, to be the manager of England” and “I dream to be the foreign hero who leads England to victory after so many years”
The first comment demonstrates his understanding for the need to establish his reputation in this country as a manager not just as a past player, the problem is he is already well known and divided opinion amongst the public means that whilst he wants to be the “foreign hero” he could easily turn to the “foreign villain”
Di Canio has had a very successful first season with Swindon Town achieving a 63% win rate and claiming the League Two title on the back of the clubs relegation the previous season under former management, and the club are now within promotional places of League One, all achieved with a tight budget. This has led him to becoming a firm fan favourite. However, it has also been marred with well documented off-field and occasionally on-field conflicts with players Leon Clarke and Wes Foderingham.
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The main reason I think this could be an interesting appointment is that Di Canio is not scared to speak his mind and give the “Big Time” players a dressing down if they are under performing; something which I feel has never really been done due to too much player power. Paolo also has the bravery to heavily change squads to suit his preferred style of play, as shown in his purchases of almost a whole new team after his appointment at Swindon. This was daring move but one which evidently reaped rewards. Di Canio is a passionate, dedicated and hardworking manager who expects the same attributes within his players; therefore it would be more likely that players would be selected for the England team on merit rather than regular line ups that come to be expected.
His knowledge of the game through experience as a player in both England and other parts of Europe could be beneficial to us.
Although these are many advantages he could bring as manager of England, there are possible issues that could arise through his eccentric and fiery temperament, which has already been evident during his time at Swindon. Such behaviour is likely to ruffle feathers with the team, fans and the FA. Obviously his lack of experience at top flight clubs could prove a stumbling block as players may not have full respect for him or his managerial experience. He can often be seen as a novelty and spectacle to fans outside of his hardcore supporters.
I personally feel that given a few more years to develop his managerial experience in higher leagues, Di Canio has the courage to break the monotony that currently is the England team, and make daring bold decisions to include and remove high profile players from the team without the fear of reprise from the FA. He has the potential to gain the England football fans attention again and bring together supporters who have started to sway further to clubs over country.
Paolo Di Canio could well become Paolo Di Anglo in years to come.
Carl Bateson
Follow me on twitter @BatesonCarl
You always have to take PDC with a pinch of salt. The FA on the other hand would never appoint him – a checkered disciplinary background and known fascist history aren’t usually favoured by the FA.