Gary Bennett: 'No dull moments at Sunderland under Paolo Di Canio'

Former Sunderland captain Gary Bennett believes that life at the Stadium of Light under new manager Paolo Di Canio will be a "roller-coaster" ride.

The former Swindon Town boss was appointed as the Black Cats' new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract yesterday following the dismissal of Martin O'Neill.

"It's going to be interesting, but the players have to react [in the right way]," Bennett told talkSPORT. "He's in, he's the manager and you've got to go along with it. There won't be a dull moment.

"It will be a roller-coaster. If he comes in and gets results, it's a great decision. It's a massive step up from Swindon to go into the Premier League with seven games to go, but hopefully he can lift the players and the club."

Di Canio is expected to meet the players and hold his first training session at Sunderland today.