West Ham's loss is Swindon Town's gain. That was the response given by Harry Redknapp when interim chairman Jeremy Wray contacted the Tottenham boss for a reference as he mulled over the decision of whether to appoint Paolo Di Canio.

And Redknapp had nothing but positive things to say of the player he signed for the Hammers from Sheffield Wednesday back in 1999.

If there was even an ounce of doubt in Wray's mind before talking with Redknapp, it was no doubt completely eradicated after hearing the glowing appraisal from one of the most respected managers in England.

Di Canio had been one of the strongest contenders for the position ever since it became clear he had submitted his application early last week.

But there was a scare when West Ham boss Avram Grant was sacked on Sunday after defeat to Wigan confirmed the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Di Canio has made no secret of his ambition to one day manage the club where he is idolised by the fans, and it was anticipated that the Italian would immediately turn his attention to the London side.

But his agent, Phil Spencer, told the Advertiser last week that no contact between the two had taken place before Hammers co-owner David Sullivan completely ruled out a move for Di Canio's services.

That decision left Redknapp perplexed, and Wray told the Advertiser yesterday: “Harry Redknapp was kind enough to give a few words and he said we were on the right track and doing the right thing.

“He was full of compliments and has nothing but confidence in Paolo's ability to do a good job in management.

“He said West Ham's loss was our gain and I believe he was absolutely right there and so we are very excited.”

The likes of Sheffield United, Brentford and Bristol Rovers have all been searching for new managers around the same time at Town.

Wray did not know if Di Canio had been talking to anyone else, but after speaking with him in the first round of interviews, he had no doubt that the former Lazio striker was committed to Swindon.

“I have no idea if anyone else was interested in him, but from the moment we first saw him and I spoke with his agent, he was totally committed to us,” he added.

“He has had other media commitments which go until this weekend, which is why the press conference will be on Monday.

“But in terms of communicating with him from distance he left us in no doubt that he is committed to Swindon Town and is excited by the opportunity.”