Former Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has recalled the stark contrast between Martin O’Neill and Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light

Jack Colback says Sunderland players would “run through brick walls” for Martin O’Neill after revealing dressing room stories.

Former Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has reflected on the contrasting management styles of Martin O'Neill and Paolo Di Canio during his time at the Stadium of Light. Speaking on the Under the Cosh podcast, Colback explained how Sunderland’s squad developed a strong connection with O’Neill during his spell in charge, with the Irishman’s relaxed approach helping to build loyalty within the dressing room.

Colback said the players were particularly appreciative of the atmosphere O’Neill created around the squad, even recalling the type of meals the team would enjoy on the eve of matches. "Before Di Canio, we had Martin O'Neill. He was the polar opposite and made you love him. You wanted to run through brick walls for him. On a Friday night in a hotel, we would get food like a Tobey Carvery roast dinner and apple crumble and custard."

However, Colback said the environment changed significantly when Di Canio arrived at the club. "But then we had Paolo. I remember sitting in pre-season with him, and you would just get given a plate of food (and told) 'that's what you’re having. It might have been fish, and I'm thinking, 'I don't like fish'."

The midfielder described the Italian’s methods as extremely strict, with a far more rigid structure around the players’ day-to-day routines. "It was just so intense. I was almost like a dictatorship where he was like, 'I am Paolo Di Canio, and you will abide by my rules'. You would go for lunch, but once you'd finished, you wouldn't be allowed to leave until he told you to. So sometimes you were sat there for an hour thinking 'What's going on here?'"

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Colback also suggested the atmosphere within the squad eventually reached a point where change was required. "It wasn't so much that we didn't like him, but we were bottom of the league, so something had to change. I think it would have been John O'Shea at the time who spoke to the chief executive and told him we need a change and the next day, he was gone."

Despite the difficulties, Colback said Di Canio did attempt to connect with the players, though his personality often created a demanding environment. "He seemed alright and would try and have some banter and stuff, but he's a bit nuts upstairs. He expected high standards, and that's what he tried to bring; he just went too far, really."

Your next Sunderland read: James Copley's Sunderland U21s player ratings vs Leeds United – including Ahmed Abdullahi and Abdoullah Ba