Di Canio pride at Hammers link

West Ham favourite would consider managing former club

Last updated: 6th September 2008

Paolo Di Canio West Ham

Di Canio: Loves Hammers

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Paolo Di Canio has spoken of his 'pride' at being linked with the vacant managerial role at West Ham United.

The Hammers have drawn up a shortlist of 'five or six candidates' as they look to identify former boss Alan Curbishley's successor.

Di Canio enjoyed a successful four seasons at Upton Park establishing himself as a favourite among the club's fans.

And the 40-year-old Italian, who gained his Uefa coaching licence in April, has admitted he would consider managing his former side.

He said in The Sun: "West Ham is a unique club and history means something. The fact we've had so few managers and the fact the vast majority were former players is important.

A second skin

"For me the shirt still feels like a second skin and I've followed West Ham as a fan ever since I left.

"I'm sorry for Alan Curbishley. He was my boss at Charlton and he's a good man and a good manager.

"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."

Reports suggest Slaven Bilic, Roberto Donadoni, Roberto Mancini, Morten Olsen, Gianfranco Zola, Gerard Houllier and John Collins are among the contenders to succeed Curbishley.