Di Canio surprised and delighted by seven new signings (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

SWINDON TOWN: Di Canio surprised and delighted by seven new signings

5:50am Friday 29th June 2012 in News

IT’S SAFE to say Paolo Di Canio has got his own way so far this summer, and Town’s manager could not be happier about it.

Swindon may be just two days into pre-season training but the Robins boss has already secured seven new signings as he prepares for life in League One next term.

That may be a remarkable haul given that the new campaign remains some seven weeks away, but Di Canio is more pleased by the fact that each and every one of the new faces he has recruited were at the very top of his wish list when he began his spending spree.

“I’m very happy, but not because of the numbers - because all the players that I’ve brought in are the players that I’ve wanted. Exactly the players that I wanted,” he said.

“Not just the numbers, but I have got seven players that I wanted in my squad for different reasons.”

By his own admission, Di Canio did not expect to have landed the players he has so quickly this summer.

Gary Roberts, James Collins and Jay McEveley were all courted by Championship clubs before opting to sign for Town, while Andy Williams and Troy Archibald-Henville both rejected contract offers from their former sides to join the Robins - proving how much of a draw Di Canio and Swindon have become of late.

“I told you five (signings before the Italy tour) two weeks ago or three weeks ago because I couldn’t imagine that, when you are in a transfer market situation and you have seven targets, you can get all of them,” said the Town boss.

“It’s difficult - especially in this moment of the season, but the fact is we worked very well and the lads enjoyed being part of this plan and that made me even more happy.”