Sunderland Sack Head Coach Paolo Di Canio

23 September 2013, 03:38 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Paolo Di Canio's become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season as Sunderland AFC confirm they've parted ways with the Italian.

In a statement, the club says:
"We would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future."

The Black Cats took just one point from their opening five games of the 2013-14 season.

Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor.

Bookies say the early favourite to take over is ex Chelsea and West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo. 

He's just ahead of ex Brighton boss Gus Poyet.

After Saturday's defeat at West Brom, Di Canio spoke to travelling fans from the pitch following the final whistle.

He was remaining upbeat saying:
"One game, one win, will clean all the players' brains from the problems they have now.''

Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn, who also played for and briefly managed the club, believes extrovert Di Canio's management style may have been his downfall.

He told Sky Sports News:
"It's a quick decision; some will say too quick.''