It’s not a real day of the week without an entertaining Paolo Di Canio quote.

The Sunderland manager is ready to wield the axe after getting fed up of the lack of discipline among his players. read more »

Paolo Di Canio says he is tempted to slap Sunderland youngster Connor Wickham to ensure he fulfils his potential.

The Black Cats boss is keen to see the 20-year-old live up to the expectations that came when he arrived on Wearside from Ipswich for £8.1 million two years ago.

He said: “Maybe, with this guy, I have to slap his face a little bit. read more »

Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam could have been forgiven for thinking the world was out to get him during last night’s draw with Sunderland.

Not only did he survive a potentially leg-breaking tackle, which saw the Black Cats’ Craig Gardner sent-off, he also tangled with the advertising hoardings.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gardner is the man giving the decisive nudge.

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio said he would not be watching tonight’s Premier League match between relegation rivals Wigan and Swansea – but then admitted he was telling porkies.

After his side’s 1-1 draw with Stoke last night, Di Canio was asked in his interview with Sky Sports whether he would be settling down in front of the TV to see if Michael Laudrup’s Swans would do them a favour. read more »

Aston Villa fans might have known that last night’s match against Sunderland was going to be a good night from the moment defender Ron Vlaar stepped into midfield and drove the ball into the net from 30-yards.

And the skipper’s stunning strike ultimately set Paul Lambert’s side on the way to a 6-1 thrashing of the Black Cats. A hat-trick from Christian Benteke did wonders for Villa’s previously dodgy goal difference. read more »