Paolo Di Canio’s future at Swindon in doubt after sale of Matt Ritchie

Paolo Di Canio is considering his future as Swindon Town manager after a dramatic week at the League One club.

In a statement, the Italian last night claimed the club – who announced a takeover subject to Football League approval on Wednesday night – sold influential winger Matt Ritchie to promotion rivals Bournemouth behind his back.

The statement read: “It is with great regret that I issue this statement but, unfortunately, the events of the last few days have left me with no alternative other than to consider my position and explain the reasons why.

“We were assured that Matt Ritchie was going nowhere and money would be made available for the squad to be strengthened. Within an hour I received a phone call from Matt Ritchie telling me that the club had agreed to sell him and he was in the process of agreeing personal terms.

“I regard this as a clear breach of my contract with the club and, moreover, a clear attempt to undermine my position not withstanding the success we have achieved in the last 18 months. Matt Ritchie was sold behind my back.

“If it wasn’t for the players and fans of Swindon Town, I would have walked away from this club a long time ago.”