Paolo Di Canio Officially New Sunderland Manager

Sunderland have confirmed that Paolo Di Canio is the club's new manager after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Things moved very quickly today as it became more and more clear that Di Canio was the only name in the frame for the position, and now almost exactly 24-hours on from Martin O'Neill being sacked from the position we have a new man in charge.

The Italian seems to have divided opinion among the Sunderland fan base, with several citing his political views and lack of experience at the top level of management as reasons against the appointment, but others welcome his outspoken manner, motivational skills and passion for the game.

With only seven games remaining this season, and however you look at it, it can't be deemed anything other than a huge gamble by Ellis Short. Short himself had this to say on the appointment;

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.

Di Canio has some work to do to convince some fans, but a run of results and increased performance level is all anyone really cares about at the moment, therefore if we want to see Premier League football next season we have to back him and the club.