Still trying to understand the "thought" behind this appointment. I reckon Ellis Short has gambled that bringing Di Canio in will create this us against the world type of environment, which could turn out to be the only card they have left to play.
Not sure how serious the fan divide is at this point, and how many of those mackems saying they'll never go back with him in charge will actually stay away from their team at this time.
The timing certainly seems off. This would have been much more understandable if it had been done before the international break, with Man Utd at home coming up. He'd have had time to see what he's got, and motivate the team to be up for it against the champions elect (who had one eye on the FA Cup replay).
Apart from the media furore surrounding his politics, I don't think it's a bad move tbh, gambling on an unknown quantity from their point of view. It's the timing that could backfire.