Premier League Sunderland have parted company with manager Paolo Di Canio after the Wearsiders slumped to bottom of the table following defeat to West Bromwich Albion. The Black Cats released a statement which added how coach Kevin Ball will take charge of the side's next game against Peterborough United in the midweek Capital One Cup clash. A permanent replacement for Di Canio will be announced in due time. Roberto Di Matteo, Gus Poyet, Steve McLaren, and the previously sacked Martin O'Neill are among the favourites to be the North-East side's next manager. Paolo Di Canio won just two matches from 13 while in charge of the Black Cats, and in the aftermath of the side's latest defeat he confronted the angry Sunderland supporters - who were heard demanding his sacking. The board have cited how the results were reason enough for Di Canio's sacking, but the Italian manager's outspoken criticism of his players, and erratic methods are also said to have been cause for concern with the side. Sunderland are currently in 20th place in the Premier League, with just one point from their first five games. They are the joint-lowest scorers so far this season (3), and have conceded more goals than any other side (11).
Crippy Cooke, 23, is a freelance Football Writer contributing to What Culture. He's had work featured on Zoo, MSN, London 24, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and was recently named Writer of the Year on FTBpro - while also a nominee for Best Male Blog in the Football Blogging Awards.
