HUNDREDS of football fans showed their dedication as they queued for hours to meet Town boss Paolo Di Canio.

Paolo stopped off at the new STFC shop in the Brunel Centre yesterday to meet fans and sign memorabilia ahead of Town’s Wembley cash with Chesterfield in the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Chatting with fans young and old, Paolo signed everything from school shirts to photographs and progammes at the new store which will remain open until March 24, the day before the big game.

He said he was looking forward to Wembley and was impressed with the turn-out at the store.

“I have the same feeling about the game that I have had since I started to play football – it is an emotional moment, you are never going to feel normal, there are lots of people coming to support the team,” he said.

“The support here is great – especially seeing lots of kids.

“It is great to have the shop here in the town centre, it means that there is enthusiasm out there and there is a chance for the club.

“Although I am an important part of the club, the kids prefer to see their heroes which are the players, but I am very happy to be here at the shop in front of the fans – we have some fantastic support.”

Bev Whale, of Walcot, was first in line with her 10-year-old grandson Jamie Adams.

She said: “We queued for over an hour, we got here about 3pm. We’ve never met him before, we feel really proud.

“Jamie got him to sign his school shirt, and we brought photographs along to get him to sign.

“I am going to Wembley – I’d like to say we will win, I’d love to see it happen because Paolo has done a lot for our team.”

Clare Scarth, head of retail at the shop, said she was delighted to have Paolo in store.

“It is great, not just for Swindon fans, but for the community as well,” she said.

“It is a chance to meet a legend that a lot of us have grown up with as football fans.”