PAOLO DI CANIO has sympathised with the man who replaced him in the Sunderland manager’s office by pointing the finger of blame squarely at billionaire owner Ellis Short for the club’s failings.

Di Canio is not shocked by the Black Cats’ miserable position at the wrong end of the Premier League table and nor was he surprised to hear that Gus Poyet has lost his job.

But the controversial Italian, who was sacked just six games in to last season after saving the club from relegation, feels Short is the main reason for Sunderland’s plight with just a point and a place separating them from the relegation zone.

Di Canio said: “It’s not Poyet’s fault because chairman Ellis Short is the real origin of all these troubles. I saved Sunderland when the club was sinking, along with my staff. I completed a true miracle on and off the pitch.

“We tried to change the philosophy of the team. In the two previous years, no fines were given despite players getting drunk and partying until late, even a few days before a match.

“I was giving fines even for (players being) five minutes late. It’s fundamental to keep order in the dressing room. I took the all the responsibilities but my project was immediately cut off.

“It was a choice which came from above. When I was the manager, two directors chose 16 players. None of them are still at the club – neither the players, nor the directors.”

Poyet’s reign reached a tipping point on Saturday when Sunderland were 4-0 down by half-time and disgruntled fans left the Stadium of Light in their thousands, while an angry few tried to storm the dug-out.

Di Canio, speaking to Fox Sports, said: “I don’t want to blame Poyet but if you’re afraid to fine one of your players then you have to expect some troubles. This team is just looking for three worse teams to leave behind.

“When I was their manager it never happened to see the supporters leaving the stadium before the final whistle. This never happened because we always played with dignity. Regardless of the bad results. I don’t know what’s happening now, but it look like the team is drifting.”