HIS squad may be getting to grips with his stringent management style, but Paolo Di Canio isn't worried about upsetting anyone and has revealed he will allow any player unhappy with his methods to leave the club this summer.

Di Canio gained a no-nonsense reputation at Swindon Town for his strict approach to management and despite climbing up from the fourth tier of English football to the first, the Italian isn't going to change his ways.

The Black Cats squad have already had a taste of what is to come from Di Canio, who revealed earlier this week that he has dished out several fines to players for misconduct.

And now he has secured the Wearsiders' Premier League status, Di Canio looks set to come down on his players even harder.

He has banned anyone from flying off on their holidays straight after Sunday's game at White Hart Lane and has ordered the squad to travel back to Wearside together before meeting at the Academy of Light next week.

Some have questioned whether Di Canio's harsh methods will be tolerated by his Premier League stars, but the Italian isn't worried about upsetting anyone and has simply delivered a message to his squad: Like it or leave.

"It is obvious that it is difficult to change many players," the Black Cats boss said.

"This morning I was in front of my players saying 'this is a fine for you, this is fine for you. I asked the club to fine you the maximum possible for this kind of conduct.

"If you want to argue here are the rules. You can appeal to the PFA. I did that not because I want to be like 'now we got dictator' but I have to take the responsibility.

"I am not worried about looking in their eyes and telling them. I am not worried if they get upset and go against me in training. One day probably they will understand. We might lose one, but the other ten will want to remain and give 200 per cent.

"It happened in League Two. Everybody blamed my way to lead the players, saying it is too tough, but I didn't have one request to leave. They all said 'I want to stay with you gaffer'.

"One player left and came back within two days and said 'please gaffer even if I don't play one game can I stay with you and from you I learn'.

"This is a different level, but those that remain will give 200 per cent as there is meritocracy and rules. When I tell one player you have to do this but I don't say it to another player, he is inside going to say 'f*** off. Why you say to me not the top player'.

"What I have told the players since the first day is that you don't have to love me, you have to follow me and we are going to smile together at the end."

Di Canio has experienced several different managerial styles throughout his career, but he has warned his squad he hasn't come to Sunderland to make friends, he has come to ensure they will never be part of another relegation battle.

He said: "We are never going to get close as a friend. We are never going to go out and have a drink together. Maybe when we win the FA Cup one time, but only half-glass otherwise I get drunk.

"I am not going to give you an easy life so you will love me. I have heard many times a footballer, I won't mention the name of the manager, they used to say he was the best manager.

"Of course, own players, good wages, do what you want, but they nearly got relegated. They never became a top footballer. They only played to survive."

Di Canio will eventually allow his players to go on holiday, but there will be no break for the Italian, who has revealed he will sacrifice time with his family in order to get plans in place for next season.

"No (I won't have a holiday), my daughter goes to Southampton University in July and I work. If they give me a chance to work, I work. I can have one day to say 'bye bye, everything okay'," he said.

"I am working as there is still so much to do but even if I go back for one or two days I am still 20 hours on the telephone. It happened in League One so you can imagine if I get the chance to stay in the Premier League. I have to make sure the next step is the crucial one."