Glenn Roeder: Former West Ham and Newcastle manager dies aged 65

Former Watford, West Ham, Newcastle and Norwich boss Glenn Roeder has died aged 65 after a long illness, the League Managers Association has announced.

Roeder, who was a defender during his playing days, began his managerial career with a spell in charge at Gillingham.

He was also a coach in the England set-up when Glenn Hoddle was manager.

The LMA said it was “very deeply saddened” at Roeder’s death “after a long battle with a brain tumour”.

Roeder began his playing career at Leyton Orient before going on to represent Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, Watford and Gillingham.

He captained QPR in the 1982 FA Cup final, which his side lost to Tottenham in a replay, and to the old Second Division title in 1983.

Roeder was also part of the Newcastle team that achieved promotion from the Second Division in 1984.

‘Just a brilliant person’ Shearer pays tribute to Roeder

“A cultured defender as a player, he managed with a studious style and was always generous with his time and ideas,” said LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson.

“Glenn was such an unassuming, kind gentleman who demonstrated lifelong dedication to the game. Not one to court headlines, his commitment and application to his work at all levels warrants special mention.

“Football has lost a great servant today and our sincere condolences go to Glenn’s family and friends.”

Roeder led West Ham to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League in 2002 before he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in April 2003.

He had to have surgery and a period of recovery before returning to the dugout in July the same year.

West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: “We are both deeply saddened by the passing of Glenn, who was hugely respected and liked by everyone in the game.

“As a player, Glenn enjoyed success with QPR and Newcastle, among others, before establishing himself as one of the country’s top coaches, with a well-earned reputation for developing young players, including the likes of Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe during his time with West Ham United.

“Off the pitch, he was a loving family man and our sincere condolences go to Glenn’s loved ones at this sad time.”

Roeder’s last role in the game was as a managerial advisor at Stevenage in 2016.

“Glenn achieved so much throughout his lifelong career in the game,” said LMA chief executive Richard Bevan.

“After retiring as a player, he became one of the country’s most respected coaches, working across all levels of the professional game, in senior and academy football, and acting as a trusted advisor to many coaches and players.

“At every club, he chose to develop new talent and to give opportunities to the younger players in his charge.”

‘A real football man’ – tributes to Roeder

Former England international Chris Waddle played with Roeder at Newcastle and said his death was “very sad”.

“Glenn was a top lad who loved football and was very much a family man,” Waddle told BBC Radio 5 Live. “You can see by the reaction, what everybody thought about him.

“He was very professional but he had a good sense of humour. All the jobs he’s been involved in, football was his life, as was his family.

“He was one of the first footballing centre-halves. Now we talk about Rio Ferdinand, players who are comfortable on the ball.

“But he didn’t just stand in defence heading it away and kicking it away, he wanted to play.

“He had this stepover. Everyone knew he was going to do the stepover, but you still couldn’t stop him. If he was around today he would definitely be playing at a top club.”

Former Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison played under Roeder at West Ham and paid tribute to him on social media.

“I’ll never ever forget when my dad was passing away,” said Hutchison. “The gaffa told me to get in my car to Newcastle and go see him quick.

“Glenn was on the phone with me for all five hours of my journey! Sleep well gaffa. My thoughts are with his family.”

Norwich said they were “deeply saddened” by Roeder’s death and “the thoughts of everyone at the club are with Glenn’s family and friends at this very sad time”.

Canaries goalkeeper Tim Krul played under Roeder at Newcastle and said: “Really sad to hear the passing of Glenn Roeder, was a great man to play alongside and work under when he became manager, thoughts with all of his family.”

Former England strikers Gary Lineker and Michael Owen also paid tribute to Roeder.

Lineker said he was “a real football man who had a great career both on the field and in the dugout”.

Owen added: “So so sad to hear Glenn Roeder has passed away. Why do the best people leave us so early? I’m devastated. A true gentleman. He will be sorely missed.”

Roeder asked Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson to be his assistant when he was in charge at Newcastle.

Pearson called Roeder “a man with incredible integrity, humility, warmth, humour and humanity”.

He added: “A sensitive caring man who didn’t always have as high a regard for himself as others had for him.

“He was loved and admired by those who worked with him. I’ll miss you, my friend.”

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