Paolo Di Canio calls for "unity" at relegation-threatened West Ham United

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 March 2020

West Ham United legend Paolo Di Canio calls for "unity" between the fans and the club's board if they are to stave off the threat of relegation this season.

Former West Ham United attacker Paolo Di Canio has called for "unity" at the club amid growing tension between the fans and the board.

Supporters have regularly protested against the ownership of David Gold and David Sullivan in recent times, while the results of a fan poll earlier this week showed that almost three-quarters of those asked believe that the owners are doing a "poor" job.

West Ham's move from Upton Park to the London Stadium has proved to be a highly contentious issue, while matters on the field have not helped with the Hammers currently only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Di Canio insists that he can understand the West Ham fans' anger and frustration, but believes that now is the time for the club to stick together.

"I can understand the frustration because it is obvious that everyone expected [better] when we moved to the new stadium. The people don't feel the stadium is their home, so now we need unity," Di Canio told talkSPORT.

"It is obvious everybody expected a better season, including the board – they didn't want to see West Ham there [fighting relegation]. So with the fans I can understand their position, but I hope when the season starts again they get close – because everybody will lose if West Ham go down.

"They must try to push all in the same direction to maintain and save West Ham. West Ham have incredible quality and incredible potential for the future to finish top eight, because the club obviously spent big money in the past two years.

"It didn't pay off, unfortunately, at the moment because we have many problems, but, in my opinion, the future will be green. Now is the moment to get unity and stay together."

Di Canio suffered relegation with West Ham in 2003, leaving that summer having scored 51 goals in 141 appearances for the club.