SWINDON interim-chairman Jeremy Wray has paid tribute to boss Paolo Di Canio following the death of his mother.

The Town manager heard the news late last night having been to visit her in Italy earlier in the week, but was in the dug-out this afternoon to take charge of Town's 1-0 victory over Plymouth.

Di Canio wore a black armband during the game. And left the County Ground immediately after the final whistle to return to his homeland, and Wray praised his manager’s professionalism.

“I think it says a lot about the character of the man that he was able to lead the team following such sad news last night,” he said.

“He was obviously very emotional but he was determined to see the game through. We knew the emotion would probably get the better of him at the end, and I think at the end of the game he did the right thing to leave.

“All of our thoughts are with him, and I know everyone at the club and the fans will send out their best wishes to him and his family.”