Di Canio says Hammers' board also to blame
West Ham striker Paolo di Canio admitted he and his team-mates should be first to shoulder the blame for the club’s relegation to the First Division but questioned some of the decisions made by the Hammers’ board.
The Italian’s contract at Upton Park has expired and he seems almost certain to leave the club as they try and reduce their wage bill for life at the lower level.
Di Canio certainly went out with a bang, coming off the bench to take the relegation issue into the final game of the season with his winner against Chelsea last week and also finding the mark in yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Birmingham, which proved to be insufficient for survival because of Bolton’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
He said: “When you go down it’s not only the players’ fault. I take my responsibility but many times over a season things go wrong. Is it a surprise that we have gone down if you’ve got the power to change something and you don’t?”
The club were remarkably quiet in the January transfer window despite their perilous league position and in the longer term it was felt that the club did not adequately replace Rio Ferdinand or Frank Lampard when they were sold for big money over the last two years.
The well-travelled forward paid tribute to the club’s fans and hopes that they will not have to wait long for a return to the top flight.
Di Canio added: “When I saw the crowd at the end, I thought that in no other country can you see such strength.
"They’re sad but still they cheer you at the end. I hope the club can make a good team for the supporters next year.”
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