Swindon turn to Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio has been confirmed as Swindon`s new manager.

The 42-year-old Italian, whose brilliance during his playing days went hand in hand with controversy, takes the reins from Paul Bodin, who was only briefly placed in caretaker charge after the club parted ways with Paul Hart three weeks ago.

Di Canio will make his managerial bow in npower League Two after Hart, who only took over himself from Danny Wilson in early March, failed to save the Wiltshire club from relegation this season.

The appointment marks a sensational return to England for Di Canio in the bottom tier of the Football League, having also been linked with the vacancy at former club West Ham on more than one occasion.

His official unveiling will take place on Monday after the paperwork is completed, at which point the length of contract will be announced.

A statement on the club's official website read: "The board of STFC is committed to returning to League One at the earliest opportunity and is confident that Paolo will build a team with a new level of passion, pride and professionalism to ensure this goal is achieved."

Di Canio, who holds a coaching licence, was one of eight prospective managers shortlisted and subsequently interviewed last week by interim chairman Jeremy Wray for the Town vacancy, with others believed to include George Burley and Dietmar Hamann.

But the lure of the passionate Rome-born former striker has proved too strong and it is understood he accepted the position on Thursday.