Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chris Powell says Paolo Di Canio appointment is a gamble
CHRIS POWELL dubbed Sunderland's decision to appoint Paolo Di Canio as boss as "a bold gamble".
The new Black Cats boss named former Charlton left-back Powell, now manager of the Addicks, as one of his best friends from his playing days in English football - but refused to confirm or deny whether he is a fascist in a press conference yesterday.
Instead he labelled the furore over his appointment as Sunderland manager "ridiculous and pathetic" before the briefing was abruptly halted.
Powell said: "It's remarkable it didn't come out when he was manager of Swindon. It's a bold gamble football-wise.
"The proof will be their remaining games. He has done well so far in League One and Two with Swindon."
"Paolo was part of my club career, being a team-mate of mine and I met him socially.
"Sunderland has made a bold decision."
Asked about Di Canio's political views after Charlton's draw with Brighton in the Championship last night, Powell said: "You will have to ask him."
Sunderland are a point off the Premier League drop-zone.