I loved playing under my mad gaffer di Canio
SIMON FERRY has revealed his dream chat show guest would be Paolo di Canio – as the former Celtic star is a lovable madman.
The former Hoops youth star, who played under the Italian when he was Swindon boss, has landed a plum TV role interviewing Scottish footballers for new website open-goal.co.uk.
It’s 20 years this summer since di Canio left Parkhead to join Sheffield Wednesday. And Ferry recalls life was never dull whenever the fiery Italian was around.
Ferry said: “Paolo di Canio is one guest I’d love to get on the chat show because every day of my life under him was entertaining.
“If I could live it all over again I would. He was a madman but a loveable madman.
“If Swindon got beat you’d be in at six in the morning and he’d be standing in the meeting room with a pair of shorts on and under armour.
“He’d play every clip back and be slide tackling walls, he’d be headering walls, showing you your shooting technique. He’d have his top off and smashing TVs. He was a nutcase.
“He knew everything you were doing. He’d come in and say, ‘You were in a coffee shop yesterday, what were you drinking? Was it an espresso?’
“He did everything at 100 miles per hour and was so funny. If he didn’t like someone on another team he’d pronounce their name wrong deliberately.
“We played Sheffield United and Danny Wilson had been his manager at Sheffield Wednesday, when he pushed the referee.
“The whole week leading up to the game he called him Dennis Wilson.
“I’d be thinking, ‘You know his name’s Danny, why are you calling him Dennis?’ He loved to wind people up. He was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him.”
Ferry also recalled di Canio branded Rangers keeper Wes Foderingham “arrogant and unprofessional” after the duo had a touchline bust-up five years ago.
Just 21 minutes into a game against Preston after Foderingham had blundered for the opening goal, the temperamental boss hauled him off and Foderingham slaughtered di Canio on his way off the pitch.
Ferry said: “After that game di Canio made him get the train back from Preston – he wasn’t allowed on the bus.
“But Wes was excellent for Preston and he’s doing well for Rangers. He’s probably been their best player this year and I’m sure he will stay.
“I played with him for two years and you can count on one hand the number of mistakes he made.
“He’s a chilled guy. He doesn’t get nervous and could go and play in any stadium and he’d be fine.
“He’s been really good at Rangers and I think he could play at a higher level.”
Ferry combines playing with Peterhead, who were relegated to League Two at the end of the season, and coaching Celtic’s Under-9s.
He said: “I’ve been coaching the kids for a year now and really enjoy it.
“Brendan Rodgers came down a couple of weeks ago to watch them train and meet all the parents. That sums him up. He’s first class and the kids loved it.”
● Ferry was speaking at the launch of Open Goal – a new football site committed to bringing entertaining and original interviews for free.