Football news in brief: Di Canio handed the reins at Swindon

FORMER Celtic midfielder Paolo Di Canio has been confirmed as the new manager of Swindon. The 42-year-old Italian, whose brilliance during his playing days walked hand in hand with controversy, takes the reins from Paul Bodin, who was briefly placed in caretaker charge after the club parted ways with Paul Hart three weeks ago. Di Canio will officially be unveiled as manager on Monday.

Former SPL director Thomson dies at 48

FORMER SPL commercial director Stewart Thomson has died at the age of 48, following a long battle with illness. Former SPL chairman Lex Gold, who recruited Stewart to the SPL in 2000, said: "Stewart was a fine, decent and compassionate man." After working with the SPL, Thomson joined Rangers in 2004 and then moved to the Football League in England in 2005.

Queen of the South sack Brannigan

KENNY Brannigan yesterday discovered in a letter from Queen of the South that he has been axed as manager.

The 45-year-old had been bracing himself for that news after his relationship with the Doonhamers board broke down.

"It's sad to be leaving the club but I'm going with a lot of happier memories," he said.

Five-match ban for Pressley stands

FALKIRK manager Steven Pressley will be forced to watch the first five matches of next season from the stands after missing the deadline to challenge his SFA suspension.

The former Scotland internationalist was handed the ban after failing in last week's appeal against an automatic two-match censure for being sent to the stand in his side's 1-0 defeat to Dundee in January.

Pirlo closes in on move to Juventus

ITALY midfielder Andrea Pirlo, - set for his last appearance for champions AC Milan in the game at Udinese - is close to signing for rivals Juventus having decided not to stay at the San Siro.

His agent, Tullio Tinti, said: "There are still some details to sort out but I think Andrea Pirlo is heading to Juventus. In a few days he will make a definite decision but I really think Juventus are the main candidates."