Steve Bruce questions Paolo Di Canio's "fear factor" approach

Former Sunderland manager and current Hull City boss Steve Bruce believes that Paolo Di Canio's sacking came down to his "fear factor" coaching.

The controversial Italian was sacked by the Black Cats last night following a reported training ground bust-up with two senior players after their 3-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

"You cannot manage in the Premier League these days through a fear factor," Bruce told talkSPORT. "You've got to be able to manage individuals."

Sunderland have taken just one point from five Premier League fixtures, leaving themselves at the bottom of the table.