Sunderland Gardner believes Di Canio is a legend already

Sunderland defender Craig Gardner admitted new manager Paolo Di Canio has become a legend after a brilliant 3-0 win over Newcastle in Tyne and Wear derby, which boosted their survival chances.

Gardner, who did feature in the game due to suspension and was watching the game from the stands, was staggered with Di Canio’s impact, since he succeeded Martin O’Neil. He said: “Obviously when a new manager comes in everybody wants to impress, everybody raises their work-rate and everything really. He has done a log of tactical work on the training field. He’s become a legend overnight we have won the derby and the fans love him, the players love him and hopefully we have some good times ahead now.”

“Being up there with the fans and singing with the fans soaking up that atmosphere and walking down to the changing room and soaking up that atmosphere I was buzzing from being up with the fans and then you are buzzing when being with the players. It was a brilliant day for not only me, but everybody at Sunderland football club,” he added.