Roeder illness not my fault, says Italian

PAOLO di CANIO has hit back at claims his outbursts against Glenn Roeder were partly to blame for the pressures on the West Ham manager, now recovering from a minor stroke.

The Italian striker publicly criticised Roeder as the team slumped to the bottom of the Premiership, and as a result was frozen out by the Hammers boss, who is still in hospital. It was suggested di Canio's criticism increased the stress levels on Roeder. However, as he was welcomed back into the squad by caretaker-boss Trevor Brooking for today's home clash with Chelsea, di Canio refuted such claims.

"I want to set the record straight and stress that the people who say I cause trouble in the dressing room and create unrest among the players are stupid," di Canio said. "Just being at the bottom puts you under pressure but whenever I say something people like to blame me.