Brooking takes over as Hammers sack Roeder

WEST HAM UNITED have sacked manager Glenn Roeder who failed to keep them in the Premiership, the English first division club said yesterday.

“West Ham United wish to announce Glenn Roeder’s contract has been terminated with immediate effect and he has been relieved of his duties as team manager,” West Ham said.

West Ham said the club’s former midfielder Trevor Brooking, who was in charge for the final games of last season while Roeder recovered from brain surgery, would again act as caretaker manager.

“Trevor Brooking will once again act as caretaker manager until a permanent successor is appointed,” the club said. “Interviews will begin immediately and Glenn’s successor will be appointed in due course.

“Until that time the board has complete confidence in Trevor’s ability to manage the team starting at home on Tuesday night against Bradford City.”

The decision to fire Roeder came after West Ham lost 1-0 at Rotherham on Saturday, leaving them in mid-table with four points from three games. They won at Preston and drew at home to Sheffield United.

The club said they felt their chances of a quick return to the top flight would be enhanced by a change of manager.

“The board would like to record their gratitude to Glenn for his hard work and commitment to the club since his permanent appointment in June 2001,” the club said.

“This was demonstrated by his desire to return to active duty so quickly after his recent illness and I am sure all supporters recognise how dedicated he was.

“The board, however, feels that following relegation to the first division the club’s best chance of returning to the Premiership at the first attempt would be enhanced by a change of manager.”

Roeder was hospitalised in April with a blocked blood vessel in his brain as his team were fighting to avoid relegation the day after a rare 1-0 win at home to Middlesbrough.

Former England captain Alan Shearer has dismissed a report linking him to Liverpool and Tottenham and expressed his wish to sign a new contract with Newcastle. The striker’s current deal runs out at the end of the season but Shearer is looking no further than staying at St James’ Park.

Commenting on the reports Shearer said:

“I know nothing about this. I want to extend my current Newcastle contract which expires this season.” Shearer, 33, has scored three goals in the first two Premiership matches of the season.