PAOLO Di Canio will today be named the new manager of Swindon Town, the Advertiser understands.

The Italian’s anticipated appointment will bring to an end a three-week-long search for Paul Hart’s successor.

After spending all of last week interviewing eight candidates, the board whittled the shortlist down to three names that were discussed at a board meeting on Tuesday.

They reconvened yesterday and decided to offer the role to their chosen candidate, who has verbally agreed to take charge of the Robins.

Town will make a statement around midday today where it is expected Di Canio's appointment will be confirmed, or, at the latest, the start of next week if the formalities of the deal are not finalised in time.

Di Canio has made no secret of his desire to break into the cut-throat world of management, and it was largely expected he would take the reins at West Ham, where he is idolised by the fans.

However, it became clear he was being advised to start lower down the ladder, and his agent last week revealed to the Advertiser that he was prepared to manage at League Two level.