Former Watford, West Ham, and Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has died at the age of 65 following a long battle with a brain tumour.
Roeder also managed Gillingham and Norwich City, as well as serving as a coach under Glenn Hoddle for the England national team.
He made over 500 appearances as a defender for a number of clubs, including Leyton Orient, QPR, Newcastle and Watford before ending his 20-year career on the pitch as player/manager of Gillingham, a move which saw him cut his teeth as a coach.
News of Roeder’s death was confirmed in a statement by the League Managers’ Association (LMA), with the organisation’s chairman Howard Wilkinson among those to pay tribute to him.
“A cultured defender as a player, he managed with a studious style and was always generous with his time and ideas,” said 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.”
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: “Glenn achieved so much throughout his lifelong career in the game.
“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.
“He will be sorely missed by all of the LMA’s members and his colleagues from across the game.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with Glenn’s wife Faith, his daughter Holly, his sons Will and Joe, and all of Glenn’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Roeder’s former clubs soon paid tribute, with Newcastle sharing several pictures of his time as player and manager at St James’ Park.
The Magpies wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player and manager, Glenn Roeder at the age of 65.
“The thoughts of everybody at NUFC are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Glenn.”
A tweet from Norwich read: “Norwich City are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Glenn Roeder.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Glenn’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
West Ham also expressed their condolences, tweeting: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Glenn Roeder at the age of 65.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Glenn’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Glenn.”
Gary Neville worked with Roeder when he was a player in the England set-up and also paid tribute to his former coach.
Neville said: “I worked with him for a couple of seasons. He was a fantastic person, well respected by all the players and it’s really sad news.”
Don Hutchison, who played under Roeder at West Ham, paid an emotional tribute and shared a touching memory from their time working together.
Hutchison wrote on Twitter: “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.
“Glenn was on the phone with me for all 5 hours of my journey! Sleep well gaffa.
“My thoughts are with his family x”
