Di Canio talks up Hammers prospects

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 40-year-old Italian, who played for the Hammers between 1999 and 2003, is one of the names being touted as Alan Curbishley's successor following his resignation on Wednesday.

Di Canio, who gained his UEFA coaching licence in April, told the Sun: "West Ham is a unique club and history means something. For me the shirt still feels like a second skin and I've followed West Ham as a fan ever since I left. I saw them play twice last season and know some of the players personally."

He added: "The fact we've had so few managers and the fact the vast majority were former players is important.

"Of course, as a professional, I'm going to consider every offer. But the fact that I've been linked to the West Ham job is a huge source of pride for me."

Di Canio is a controversial figure but he insists his career can follow the same path as Roy Keane, who is now a respected manager at Sunderland after a fiery career on the pitch.

"When you grow older, if you're intelligent, you learn your role and adjust," he continued.

"Look at Roy Keane. As a player, people talked about the red mist descending, they said he could channel it on the pitch but that he was simply too intense to be a manager.

"Well, look at him now. He has embraced his job and his responsibility. He's doing a great job at Sunderland and you can see he is calm and controlled during and after games.

"Why? Because he's an intelligent guy who has grown into a different role. I like to think it can be the same with me."