Premiership: Hammers should get di Canio out - Dicks

Former West Ham favourite Julian Dicks believes there is no place at Upton Park for Paolo di Canio after his latest public outburst.

The Italian, who was a controversial buy from Sheffield Wednesday in 1999, has had his future once again cast into doubt.

Di Canio was furious at being substituted during West Ham’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Easter Monday, snatching his jacket and disappearing down the tunnel.

He suggested afterwards that strike-partner Frederic Kanoute, who scored the winning goal just before half time, should have been the one to make way because he was not working hard enough.

And di Canio today told PA Sport that he has received no explanation from Roeder as to why he was substituted.

‘‘Glenn is a young manager and he is learning, but I think he should have spoken to me about his decision to substitute me I go on morals, respect and values,’’ he said.

‘‘I don’t want to leave West Ham and I would never ask for a transfer, but if they are going to force me out in the summer then they shall have to let me go for nothing.

Dicks believes this latest outburst is one too many and told www.teletext.co.uk: ‘‘You can’t let one player unsettle the camp. No player is bigger than the club and they should just out him, get rid of him.

‘‘It’s not very nice being substituted, but it’s the manager’s decision and if he can’t accept it then maybe it’s best for everyone if he left.

Dicks was a terrace hero at Upton Park, much like di Canio is now, and has urged him to concentrate on playing the kind of football which has gone a long way to win over the critics he faced after the notorious incident at Hillsborough when he shoved referee Paul Alcock to the ground as a Sheffield Wednesday player in 1998.

The former England B international - who had two spells at Upton Park and also played for Liverpool and Birmingham - continued: ‘‘He’s got great talent, but it’s not the first time he’s done this.

‘‘Di Canio should just get on with his job and play football.

‘‘Glenn’s done a good job. He’s got a good squad and the fans are fantastic. You can’t let one man spoil it.

‘‘If you have a problem you speak about it in the changing room.

‘‘Paolo’s done this a few times - caning the players and the manager. But you don’t do it, especially as captain.’’