Glenn Roeder

  • by Staff Writer
  • Sunday, 28th February 2021

Former West Ham United manager Glenn Roeder has passed away at the age of just 65.

Roeder, who replaced Harry Redknapp as the club's ninth full-time manager in 2001 was in charge of West Ham for two years, before being replaced by temporary manager Trevor Brooking in 2003. He died on Sunday following a long illness.


Embed from Getty Images


"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."

And Don Hutchison, a £5million signing from Sunderland for the Hammers by Roeder added: "I'll never ever forget when my dad was passing away. The gaffa told me to get in my car to Newcastle and go see him quick.


Embed from Getty Images


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

Roeder was an unpopular choice as replacement for Redknapp in May 2001 and viewed by many supporters as the 'cheap' option at the time.

However he managed to lead the club to one of its best ever finishes during the Premiership/Premier League era, taking West Ham to a seventh-place finish in his first season (2001/02)

However his second season at Upton Park was a disaster in more ways than one; the Hammers were relegated from the Premiership on 42 points, a record that stands to this day, and the Woodford-born coach collapsed following a 1-0 win against Middlesbrough in April 2003.

It was later revealed Roeder had a brain tumour which meant he was unable to continue in his post. Trevor Brooking came in on a temporary basis for the final three games of the 2002/03 campaign but was unable to save the Hammers from relegation.


Embed from Getty Images


Roeder briefly returned to management at the beginning of the 2003/04 season but was fired by Chairman Terry Brown just three games into the new season.

Having spent nearly three years out of the game Roeder returned as manager of Newcastle where he highly popular with the fans. His final role as manager was at Norwich between 2007 and 2009.

Although he spent brief spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Stevenage he never returned to management. His final months were spent battling a brain tumour, the same illness that effectively ended his time at West Ham.

The thoughts of everyone at KUMB are with Glenn's family.




* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.



More News