Former West Ham and Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder dies aged 65

Football - West Ham United v Newcastle United - FA Barclays Premiership - Upton Park - 06/07 , 17/9/06 Glenn Roeder - Newcastle United Manager [Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Mills]

Former West Ham and Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has died at the age of 65 after a long battle with a brain tumour.

A statement by LMA Chair Howard Wilkinson released on Sunday afternoon read: "A cultured defender as a player, he managed with a studious style and was always generous with his time and ideas.

"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.

Soccer Football - FA Barclays Premiership - Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers - St James Park, Newcastle, Britain - May 5, 2007 Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder [Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith]

"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 had a long and established playing career in which he represented the likes of Leyton Orient, QPR and Newcastle before moving into management.

After starting as a player-manager at Gillingham he later took charge of Watford before moving onto the Hammers and Newcastle, and he also had spells at Norwich and at Stevenage as a Managerial Advisor.

Gary Lineker led the tributes to Roeder, tweeting: "Saddened to hear that Glenn Roeder has died. A real football man who had a great career both on the field and in the dugout. RIP."

Gary Neville worked with Roeder when he was a player in the England set-up and paid tribute to his former coach.

Neville, working as a commentator for Sky Sports on the Chelsea-Manchester United game at Stamford Bridge, 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.”

Former England striker Michael 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."

Don Hutchison, who played under Roeder at West Ham, paid an emotional tribute and shared a particular 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”.

And Newcastle added: "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."

Gillingham, where Roeder finished his playing career before moving into a player-manager role, wrote: “Everybody at Gillingham Football Club is devastated to learn that former player, and manager, Glenn Roeder, has passed away at the age of 65.”

Current Gills boss Steve Evans added: “I was privileged to know Glenn. He was without doubt a fantastic person, an outstanding footballer, coach and manager.

“He has gone far too young and all our prayers and thoughts are with his wife Faith, his daughter Holly and sons Will and Joe.

“Rest in peace my friend as your next journey begins.”