Ellis Short parties as gamble on Paolo Di Canio reaps reward

Posted Monday, April 22, 2013 by The Sun

IT is no wonder Ellis Short was out partying in Sunderland on Saturday night.

The Black Cats owner copped it from all angles when he axed Martin O’Neill and brought in Paolo Di Canio.

Short would not have dared be seen on Wearside three weeks ago, let alone go drinking with fans.

But the American billionaire’s great gamble looks to have well and truly paid off after this victory.

And he was mobbed by jubilant Mackems when he celebrated another priceless three points with a night on the tiles.

One man not in attendance for the knees-up was the knee-slider Di Canio.

But the new Sunderland boss reckons he owes Short a drink or two for giving him his chance in the Premier League.

And that is why, when Di Canio stood on the Stadium of Light turf after the final whistle to thank his adoring public, he made a special point of saluting the directors’ box in a show of appreciation for Short.

The Italian, 44, explained: “It was a gesture of respect because of the decision he made.

Ellis Short parties as gamble on Paolo Di Canio reaps reward

“At this level, to make the decision he made, with all the turbulence that happened, it wasn’t easy and it reflected on him because he is the main man.

“I couldn’t see him in the last two games but he came to this game and we gave him a win in front of the home fans and that was fantastic. I’m happy for him.

“For this, I’m never going to forget it — even if he is going to sack me tomorrow morning — because of the opportunity he gave me at this level.”

Short clearly had faith in Di Canio but even he could not have imagined what an impact his appointment would have.

It is hard to believe this win over the Toffees was his first home game in charge because ‘Di Canio — The Unique One’ scarves are being sold already.

Nearby pub The Corner Flag has been renamed The Italian Flag and local restaurant Mamma Italia is offering their new idol free meals for life.

Ellis Short parties as gamble on Paolo Di Canio reaps reward
ELL OF A NIGHT ... Sunderland owner Ellis Short mixes with fans as he celebrates in a city bar

It is Di Canio’s displays of emotion and passion for the game that has won over a fanbase that was largely sceptical on his arrival.

And he has instilled his own character into Sunderland’s under-performing players, including Stephane Sessegnon who had failed to fire this campaign.

It was the Benin international who bagged the winner against Everton on Saturday, six days after opening the scoring at Newcastle in remarkably similar style.

The goal came on the stroke of half-time as Leighton Baines carelessly gave the ball away to Seb Larsson and he played in Sessegnon, who shot past Tim Howard with a low drive from the edge of the box.

It was a strike which proved decisive, although Di Canio reckons he can get more out of the former Paris Saint- Germain star.

He said: “I remember him a few years ago and he got 12 or 13 goals for PSG. Until last week he had scored only five goals for us.

“We saw what he was capable of and what he can do with the strike for the goal.

“His finish was amazing, his technique is fantastic under pressure — but he can do better. He has the potential to cause problems against any side because he is fantastically talented.”

Sessegnon’s goal means Sunderland, who appeared to be sleepwalking into relegation under O’Neill, are now six points clear of the bottom three.

Di Canio insists the Black Cats are still not safe but does feel like he now knows what is required to make his players succeed.

He added: “Passion can move mountains. But if you are going to have passion as a footballer, you need to have it all week, not just on Saturdays.

“In training sessions it’s important to show passion, dedication and desire — the desire to suffer.

“Only if you are capable of suffering can you have satisfaction.”