Great players do not always make great managers, but when Swindon Town appointed former West Ham forward Paolo Di Canio following the club’s relegation to League Two in the summer of 2011, few doubted that the enigmatic Italian would succeed in returning the Robins to the third tier of English Football at the first time of asking.
Despite losing seven of his first 13 games in charge, Di Canio led his side to the League Two title, collecting 93 points from 46 games, including 29 wins, six draws and 11 defeats, and the 43-year-old has already set his sights on achieving back-to-back promotions.
While his Swindon squad was strong compared to other sides in the division, the club’s fans and a lion’s share of outside observers have put Swindon’s remarkable success down to the cult of personality of Di Canio.
His influence and experience was instrumental in turning the club around from the miserable start they made to the season, culminating in a 15-match unbeaten run before Christmas which put the team squarely in the promotion race.
As well as league success, Di Canio’s men also battled their way to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley, although they ultimately lost to League One side Chesterfield.
Swindon also beat Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup; an achievement which Di Canio said should be memorialised by having the playing squad’s names placed on The County Ground.
Despite his high-profile run-ins with the British media, Di Canio has never shied away from an interview and has used the numerous opportunities to speak highly of Swindon’s fans and players. He even said he would get a Swindon Town tattoo to add to his body art if he guided the club to the title.
In contrast there have been flashes of his infamous temper. He was sent to the stands in a match against Macclesfield Town for vociferously venting his frustration at his side not being awarded a free-kick, while the former Lazio star was also critical of several of his players for going out on a night out to celebrate one of the players becoming a father.
All-in-all, Di Canio has enjoyed a successful baptism in football management and proven himself to be a competent coach.
In the world’s top leagues, titles and glory can often still be bought, but further down the football pyramid most have to rely on hard work, a dedicated team ethic and inspirational figures both on and off the pitch.
In Di Canio, Swindon have one of the most exciting managerial prospects in England, a natural-born leader and most importantly a character with a desire and passion to succeed. And with plans already being put in place for next season, fans of the club could be forgiven for dreaming big.
