Swindon skipper Caddis says Di Canio is crucial to club's long-term goals (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon skipper Caddis says Di Canio is crucial to club's long-term goals

6:00am Friday 25th May 2012 in npower League Two Table & Results By Andy Warren

CAPTAIN Paul Caddis believes keeping manager Paolo Di Canio at the County Ground is vital if the club is going to achieve its long-term goals.

When Di Canio took over at Swindon a year ago his aim was to guide the club to the Championship at the earliest opportunity, but so far there has been no official announcement from the club over whether the Italian has received the investment he feels is vital to achieve his targets.

But Caddis, who recently had his contract with Town extended by a year, believes the former West Ham striker could lead the club to even greater success if he stays with Swindon long-term.

“It is vital that he stays here because he came in and got us promoted and turned the club into champions,” he said.

“It is normal for the best managers to have speculation around them because what he has done with Swindon is very special.

“There were always going to be rumours, and I am sure there will be rumours around a few players here because of what we did last season.

“But the gaffer is very important to the club, and I am sure that if he stays here we will continue to be successful.

Di Canio appointed Caddis as captain in place of Oliver Risser, and the Scot has enjoyed working with the Italian for the last year.

“He will be the first to admit that he is a tough manager, as he demands a lot from you and is tough to work under.

“The season was very long and mentally tough and we did not get a lot of days off, but we saw how good it has been and if it means we can have more success I am sure every one of the boys will take that.

“A lot of credit has to go to Jeremy Wray for taking a big gamble.

“The gaffer was obviously a big name as a player, but he was a rookie as a manager, and in fact he wasn’t really a manager.

“But he has come in here in his first job and done really well and his passion has been amazing.”