Matt Ritchie has recalled the time he was booted up the backside by former manager Paolo Di Canio.

The Newcastle United winger was at Swindon Town when the West Ham United kicked him from behind as he walked off the ground after a match the team had won.

However, former AFC Bournemouth star Ritchie, now playing under Rafa Benitez, admits a manager like Di Canio, as mad as he was, did help get the best out of him.

“And that was after we won!" Ritchie laughed to the Daily Mail.

“He had this charisma about him and it certainly got the best out of me. He had a passion for winning, I thought he was fantastic.

“Mad, yes, but he wanted you to be the best you possibly could be. He educated me massively about things such as diet. I owe him a lot."