Home
Ok, not a wind up.
I've have doubts about the man's politics - fascist salutes to the ultras and all that but he's done the business in the fourth division and done it when it took real guts - just read the next bit -
But behind the erratic behaviour and touchline antics is a very human story, with Di Canio having achieved all he has despite having to work against a backdrop of tragedy.
Back in March last year, he rejected the chance to explore the possibility of becoming manager of Newport County after his father was taken ill.
When the vacancy at Swindon came up a few months later, he sought guidance from his father, who urged him not to take his health into consideration and instead pursue his dream.
In October, prior to Swindon's trip to Plymouth, Di Canio's father passed away and in a tragic coincidence, his mother died the day before the return fixture earlier this month.
Yet Di Canio would not let it detract from him completing his duties with Swindon and, just one day after losing his mother, he was in the dugout to oversee Swindon's win over Plymouth that put them on the cusp of promotion, before flying back to Italy to be with his family.
"The way he has managed to both deal with his grief and maintain his professionalism in terms of carrying out his day job is testament to his whole character," said Wray.
"Inevitably, the side that we all see is the enhanced emotion and passion and I think that is probably one of the reasons why there has been so much heartfelt support after his father died and then his mother died.
"The fans all feel very close to him because they have seen him go through all this and yet still lead their team forward. He has huge respect and love of the fans because of the way he has dealt with it all."
A bloody good write up of him here - with some clips and audio.
Well worth sparing a few minutes imo.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17749140
I've have doubts about the man's politics - fascist salutes to the ultras and all that but he's done the business in the fourth division and done it when it took real guts - just read the next bit -
But behind the erratic behaviour and touchline antics is a very human story, with Di Canio having achieved all he has despite having to work against a backdrop of tragedy.
Back in March last year, he rejected the chance to explore the possibility of becoming manager of Newport County after his father was taken ill.
When the vacancy at Swindon came up a few months later, he sought guidance from his father, who urged him not to take his health into consideration and instead pursue his dream.
In October, prior to Swindon's trip to Plymouth, Di Canio's father passed away and in a tragic coincidence, his mother died the day before the return fixture earlier this month.
Yet Di Canio would not let it detract from him completing his duties with Swindon and, just one day after losing his mother, he was in the dugout to oversee Swindon's win over Plymouth that put them on the cusp of promotion, before flying back to Italy to be with his family.
"The way he has managed to both deal with his grief and maintain his professionalism in terms of carrying out his day job is testament to his whole character," said Wray.
"Inevitably, the side that we all see is the enhanced emotion and passion and I think that is probably one of the reasons why there has been so much heartfelt support after his father died and then his mother died.
"The fans all feel very close to him because they have seen him go through all this and yet still lead their team forward. He has huge respect and love of the fans because of the way he has dealt with it all."
A bloody good write up of him here - with some clips and audio.
Well worth sparing a few minutes imo.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17749140
