Paolo Di Canio questions Paul Caddis' 'change in attitude'

Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio says he dropped Paul Caddis as captain because the defender's attitude changed.

The 24-year-old skippered the side to the League Two title last season but was told on Friday he was to be replaced by Alan McCormack.

"He's not the same player, not the same attitude, so it's time to make the decision," Di Canio told BBC Wiltshire.

"Now is the moment to change and send an important signal to everybody because Di Canio is the same."

The Town manager made a similar U-turn over the appointment of his skipper last season, when midfielder Oliver Risser was initially given the armband, only for it to be then handed over to then vice-captain Caddis three months later.

The former Celtic player made 50 appearances under Di Canio last season and signed a new contract in the summer to keep him at the County Ground until 2014.

But the right-back is set to be dropped for the first game of the new term on Tuesday against Brighton in the Capital One cup.

Di Canio continued: "If he wants to jump again he has to not only come back as he was last year but better because my demands are higher this year.

"If I had the same Caddis as last year it would already be a good base because there was availability and desire to improve.

"Obviously I do not have a Caddis that is enough for this level."

Despite the disagreement between the two parties, Di Canio believes Caddis will stay at the League One club.

"Of course he has a future here," he said. "But now it is up to him."

Di Canio concluded: "They have to follow me. And if they don't want to follow me then they are out."