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The Managers
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In the years since the start of the Premiership
West Ham have five managers:
Billy Bonds (February 1990
- August 1994), Harry Redknapp
(August 1994 - May 2001),
Glenn Roeder (June 2001-August 2003), Trevor Brooking
(April 2003 - July 2003, August 2003-October 2003)
Alan Pardew (October 2003 - December 2006), Alan Curbishley (December 2006- )
BILLY BONDS
This article & picture © planetfootball.com and West Ham United
Born:
Woolwich, London Lge apps: 663 (48 gls) Cup
apps: 130 (11 gls) |
A legend of Upton Park, Billy Bonds
has spent 27 years with the club as player and manager. In a playing career
spanning an incredible 21 seasons, “Bonzo” played a record 793
senior games. Billy’s first appearance in claret and blue, following
his £49,500 move from Charlton Athletic, was in Ken Brown’s
testimonial at Upton Park (15/5/67) v Select XI. It was v Sheffield Wednesday
(19/8/67) that Billy made his Hammers’ League debut. Ron Greenwood’s
purchase of the swashbuckling right-back proved one of the greatest bargains
of all-time. He cost the club the equivalent of around £62.00 a
match - a paltry sum when you consider his vast contribution. Billy played
for Kent schoolboys before signing for Bob Stokoe at Charlton, making
his League debut v Northampton Town (20/2/65). Went on to make 95 League
appearances for Charlton before his transfer to Upton Park (13/5/67).
A tremendously loyal servant, who never gave less than 100%, Bill always led by example on the field. Courageous in the tackle, he grafted hard for possession and would often deny painful injuries, roll up his sleeves and slog it out in the heart of midfield or, in his latter playing days, the centre of defence. Fearless in the tackle, Bill always let the opposition know they had been in a match - win, lose or draw. Yet he used the ball more intelligently and effectively than perhaps he was sometimes given credit for. He also weighed in with his fair share of goals, including a hat-trick v Chelsea in March 1974, on his way to topping the scorechart with 13 that season. In 1974 he succeeded Bobby Moore as captain and went on to lead the club to FA Cup Final victories in 1975 and 1980, as well as appearances in the finals of the European Cup Winners’ Cup (1976) and League Cup (1981). Billy was skipper, too, when West Ham won the Second Division championship (1981). He won two England Under-23 caps and was poised for his full England debut v Brazil at Wembley (12/5/81), when a rib injury, sustained in a collision with ’keeper Phil Parkes in Hammers’ last match of the season, cruelly ruled him out. Billy was certain to play in that prestige friendly, having been in two of Ron Greenwood’s previous England squads. But the nearest Bonzo got to a full cap was as non-playing sub for a World Cup qualifier against Italy at Wembley (16/11/77). After joining West Ham Billy quickly established himself as a huge crowd favourite with his surging forward runs, which is reflected in the fact that he was voted Hammer of the Year four times - a distinction he shares with Moore. This “Peter Pan”of football was still playing in the First Division at the age of 41 - a remarkable feat recognised by The Queen, who honoured him with the MBE (1/1/88) and his fellow pro’s, who presented Billy with the PFA Merit Award in April of the same year. Time and again Billy defied the passing years by returning to play at top level - he officially retired on the same day as Trevor Brooking, in May 1984! But Billy’s astonishing playing career had still not run its course. It was not until the summer of 1988 that, nursing a knee injury that forced him to miss the last two games of that season, he finally decided to hang up his boots. His 663rd, and final, League game for the club came in the First Division match at Southampton (30/4/88). If you include European, Charity Shield and Full Members’ Cup fixtures, Billy Bonds made 795 official matches for West Ham. John Lyall, eager to make use of Billy’s experience and influence, appointed him youth team manager in June 1988. Gillingham offered Bill the position of manager, and he applied (unsuccessfully) for the first team manager’s job at Upton Park when Lyall was sacked in July 1989. Instead, the Hammers’ board opted for an ‘outsider’ in Lou Macari but when he resigned just seven months after arriving from Swindon, the ever-popular Bonzo was the People’s Choice to take charge of the first team. His appointment (22/2/90) heralded a new wave of optimism and a resurgence of fortunes saw Hammers finish just one place off the play-off zone in Division Two. But Bill marked his first full season in charge by taking Hammers back to the top flight, as runners-up to Oldham Athletic in 1990/91. Billy made history again (12/11/90) when he became the first person to be awarded two Testimonials by the club, Spurs providing the opposition. Already in his brief managerial career, Bonzo has experienced a series of highs and lows. Following the euphoria of his first full season, he faced a season-long battle at the foot of the First Division that culminated in relegation at the end of 1991/92. His efforts to produce results on the field were undermined by events off it, where irate fans waged war on the club’s ill-conceived bond scheme. Bill’s helter-skelter career took another twist a year after the drop, when - having been joined by his old mate Harry Redknapp - Hammers bounced straight back to the senior league, as First Division runners-up to Newcastle United. Despite being the bookies’ favourites to go straight back down again in 1993/94, Hammers proved many wrong by attaining a respectable 13th place in their first Premiership campaign. It is impossible to imagine West Ham without Billy Bonds, yet the seemingly impossible happened on Wednesday, August 10, when the legend stunned the fans by announcing his resignation, just 10 days before the start of the new season. Bonds turned down the offer to become a paid director of the club after the Board indicated their preference for Redknapp to take over the top job. Few saw Bonds as a manager, long-term, and he himself admitted the demands of modern-day management could never compare with the pleasure he got from playing. So when he sensed that circumstances were changing at Upton Park, it was hardly surprising that he didn’t wish to hang around. The club paid up the remaining three years of his contract (said to be worth £500,000) and duly installed Redknapp as the new No. 1. As a player Bonds was the rock on which the team was built. A magnificent leader whose wholehearted commitment on the field contrasted with his off-field image as a private man who shys away from the bright lights. At the end of matchday, Bill would not hang about the players’ bar for long. Instead he would grab his four-pack of beers and head back through the Blackwall Tunnel to what he has always enjoyed most - time spent at home in Kent with his wife and two daughters. |
Born:
Poplar Date of Birth:
2/3/47 Date Of Appointment:
10/8/94 Previous Clubs (as player): West Ham, Bournemouth, Norwich City, Brentford Previous Clubs (as manager): Bournemouth (Oct 82-June 92), West Ham (Aug 94) |
Harry Redknapp joined West Ham as Assistant
Manager in 1992 and replaced Billy Bonds as Manager in August 1994. Harry has assembled arguably the strongest squad Hammers fans have ever seen, and is determined to put West Ham’s name up there with the Premiership’s big three - Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. A tribute to the club’s ambition, the Hammers boss has brought in exciting players including Ian Wright and Paolo Di Canio, while nurturing the precocious home-grown talent of youngsters such as Joe Cole A winger in his playing days, Harry Redknapp won England youth honours and played a lot of his career at West Ham. He managed Bournemouth for nearly ten years, leading the club through their most successful era. Harry’s resignation (9/5/01) was a shock to everyone coming as it did before the final game of the 2000/01 season and while preparations for the new season were still being discussed. |
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This article by Martyn Ziegler,
PA Chief Sports Reporter, was written in the wake of Harry’s departure
and sum’s up many Hammers fans feelings about H.
’ARRY’S AN ’AMMER THROUGH AND THROUGH The departure of Harry Redknapp from Upton Park will be painful for all at West Ham, as it sees the club sever ties with one of its favourite sons. Redknapp, the archetypal cheery, chirpy Cockney, embodied West Ham’s soul and spirit. The way his teams played football was a reflection of his own warm and open character. The Hammers have always had a tradition about playing football as is should be played - on the floor, with passing and skill given preference above aggression and physique. Redknapp, or ’Arry as he was known with fondness in stadiums the length and breadth of the country, embraced that ideal wholeheartedly. Though he was nothing more than average as a player, he took to management like a whelk to water. His seven years as a player at West Ham, after he signed on as an apprentice in 1964, were followed by four at unfashionable Bournemouth, and it was at the Cherries that his coaching prowess was first recognised. Indeed, he was just 36 when he was appointed manager of Bournemouth and immediately brought about one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history. Bournemouth won the Third Division championship in 1987, and, memorably, beat mighty Manchester United in the FA Cup. But West Ham remained in his system, and when he became assistant to Billy Bonds - two years later he took over as manager himself - it seemed Redknapp had finally returned to his spiritual home. It was the beginning of a era which will have old-timers gazing wistfully into their pints in East End pubs in years to come. The Hammers became one of the leading clubs in the Premiership, usually finishing into the top six or seven and always playing the sort of attractive football which endeared themselves to neutrals. Almost without realising it, Redknapp became the second-longest serving manager in the Premiership behind Sir Alex Ferguson. He also gained a reputation for taking a risk on the sort of hot-headed players who sent other managers diving for the safety of the dug-out. Paolo di Canio is the obvious example, following his push on referee Paul Alcock, and the Italian has now become one of the Hammers fans’ - and fans everywhere for that matter - favourite players. Redknapp’s more lasting legacy to West Ham, and to English football, will be the bright young stars who have progressed from the youth system to the first team and the fringe of the England set-up. Rio Ferdinand, whom he sold for £18million to Leeds - a world record for a defender - Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick were all products of the Upton Park youth system. In fact, their quality might have had an indirect influence on Redknapp’s departure. Expectations had risen so much that when the team started to falter, and hopes of Europe were extinguished, Redknapp, as he admitted in his resignation statement, stopped enjoying his job. At Newcastle last month, after a 2-1 defeat had brought West Ham into the range of the relegation battlers, it was obvious that Redknapp was fed up - though not to the extent that he would pack it in. In the post-match news conference, he slumped in his chair, mumbling answers to questions until the showman in him got the better of his misery. Asked if he was looking to strengthen the team in the summer, he replied: “No, I’m looking to weaken it, what do you f***ing think.” It was typical Redknapp - off the cuff, sharp and with an expletive or two thrown in for good measure. But it is now clear that even then he was contemplating ending his association with West Ham. Redknapp needs to live his life with a smile on his face and now the circumstances have made that impossible he has decided to move on. He will always be remembered as a West Ham man though, sitting in the dug-out, mouth twitching furiously as di Canio or Cole pulled off another awe-inspiring trick, or as his defence went AWOL once again. Redknapp’s future is now shrouded in uncertainty. Some believe he may have finished with football altogether and is looking forward to concentrating on his other great love, horse racing. If that is the case, the world of football will be a poorer, duller place without him. |
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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF REDKNAPP
By Neil Silver, PA Sport Harry Redknapp will go down as one of the most successful managers in the history of West Ham. When the team finished ninth in the Premiership last season, he equalled the record set by John Lyall at the start of the 1980’s, when they finished in the top half of the top division for three successive seasons. Redknapp joined the Hammers in July 1992 as assistant to Billy Bonds, after more than a decade in charge of Bournemouth. He then became manager in August 1994 following the surprise resignation of Bonds, and set about rebuilding the club. Redknapp, who is one of the most popular figures in the game, had two particularly noteworthy seasons of his seven years in charge. In 1996-97, a very weak Hammers team looked destined to be relegated to the First Division, until he signed Paul Kitson and John Hartson whose goals in the final games led them to safety. That marked a turning point in the club’s fortunes, and two seasons later, thanks to some shrewd wheeling and dealing in the transfer market by Redknapp - who hardly ever had a budget for players - he steered them to fifth place in the Premiership. Indeed, he may have been voted manager of the year in 1999 had Alex Ferguson not led Manchester United to their historic treble. At the end of that season, Redknapp’s team lifted the Intertoto Cup to claim a place in the UEFA Cup, the first time they had played in Europe since winning the FA Cup under Lyall in 1980. Redknapp’s Achilles heel was the cups, and West Ham were the victims of several giant-killing acts during his time in charge. One of the most famous was in 1996-97 when they lost at Stockport in the fourth round of the League Cup. The legacy of Redknapp will be the fact that he put a huge emphasis on developing the club’s youth policy. He has produced millions of pounds worth of talent in the shape of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and, more recently, Jermaine Defoe. Although Redknapp never wanted to sell Ferdinand, the offer from Leeds in November of £18million - a British transfer record - was too good to turn down. Redknapp always made a profit in his transfer dealings, and two of his other sensible sales in recent times were getting £7million for Hartson and £6million for Marc-Vivien Foe. One of Redknapp’s major transfer coups was to take a gamble on Paolo di Canio. He rescued the Italian striker from Sheffield Wednesday for £1.7million in January 1999 after he was banned for 12 matches for pushing over referee Paul Alcock, and di Canio has become a Hammers great. Redknapp’s first season in sole charge, 1994/95, saw the club finish 14th in the Premiership, although they lost to Bolton in the League Cup. The following season they came 10th, but suffered a humiliating FA Cup fourth round exit at Grimsby, going down 3-0 in a replay. Season 1996/97 saw them heading for relegation, until the arrival of Kitson, who scored eight goals in 14 games, and Hartson, who weighed in with five goals in 11 games, steered them to 14th place. In 1997/98 West Ham came eighth and reached the quarter-finals of both cups, losing to Arsenal in both competitions. Then came their best achievement under Redknapp, finishing fifth, although they had the embarrassment of losing to Northampton in the second round of the League Cup and Swansea in the third round of the FA Cup. That summer they won the Intertoto Cup to qualify for the UEFA Cup, and reached the second round. Last season the Hammers came ninth in the Premiership. But there was controversy in the League Cup when they fielded substitute Manny Omoyinmi in a quarter-final victory over Aston Villa. He had already appeared in the competition while on loan at Gillingham, and the match was replayed, with West Ham losing. They also went out of the FA Cup in the third round at Tranmere. This season was another roller-coaster ride for Hammers fans. They enjoyed the tremendous highs of winning at both Manchester United and Sunderland in the FA Cup, before crashing at home to Tottenham in the quarter-finals. Their league form dipped and they only became mathematically safe from relegation on Saturday, when a 3-0 win over Southampton lifted them into 14th place. However, Redknapp will point to the loss of several key players through injury during the season - none more so than losing both skipper Steve Lomas and winger Trevor Sinclair for most of the campaign. |
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Harry’s West Ham legacy
Harry Redknapp leaves behind both a playing and managerial career at Upton Park, stretching back to the days of Ron Greenwood in 1963. Redknapp joined The Hammers on schoolboy terms under Greenwood that year and featured in the FA Youth Cup winning side against Liverpool that season. The young Redknapp was part of the England squad a year later which won the Junior World Cup and made his full West Ham debut in August 1965. He created a goal for Martin Peters in that game, in a win over Sunderland and scored his first West Ham goal in a 4-1 win over Spurs, on April 6 1966. His last Hammers display came on April 15 1972, having made 175 appearances overall, together with eight goals. In 1972 Redknapp joined Bournemouth, a record £31,000 signing for The Robins at the time, with John Bond the manager at Dean Court. Two years later he had a loan spell at Norwich City, but a knee injury forced him to retire from the English game, preventing a permanent deal. Redknapp moved to America in 1976 to join Seattle Sounders as a player-coach and was later joined by Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst. Within a year, Redknapp’s side had reached the North American Soccer League play-off final, only to lose 2-1 to New York Cosmos - Franz Beckenbauer, Pele et al. A short spell ensued at Phoenix Fire, before Redknapp returned to England, to join up with Moore again, this time to become his assistant at non-League Oxford City. In 1981 Bournemouth invited their former player to become their coach, to assist manager Dave Webb and Redknapp even made an aborted return as a player. That effort lasted one match - a League Cup tie at Manchester United, where he scored an own goal. Later in 1982, Redknapp took over from Webb as caretaker-manager and first game in charge was a 9-0 defeat against Lincoln, but Redknapp did take over as The Cherries’ full-time boss in 1983. Redknapp gained his revenge on Manchester United a year later, when Bournemouth beat the FA Cup holders, in a 3rd round tie at Dean Court. His side then went on to beat Hull City to win the Associate Members Cup in 1984 and, three years later, The Cherries were Third Division champions and Redknapp that division’s manager of the year. The stay lasted three seasons, before Bournemouth dropped back down to Division Three and tragedy befell Redknapp. He and a friend were involved in a road collision at Italia ’90 and his time in the game was uncertain, before Redknapp left Bournemouth at the end of the 1991/92 season, to begin the second stage of his career at Upton Park. He returned to become assistant manager to Billy Bonds and helped the club win promotion back to the Premiership, for its first season. In 1994 Redknapp succeeded Bonds as manager, in controversial circumstances, when Bonds did not want a ‘job upstairs’. Three years later he offered to resign, after The Hammers lost 1-0 at home to Wrexham in an FA Cup tie, but that offer was not accepted. In 1999 Redknapp became the first Hammers’ boss since 1981 to lead the club into Europe, when they finished 5th in the Premiership and qualified for the UEFA Cup via the InterToto Cup. The club finished 9th last season and fans have been entertained by players of the calibre of Paolo Di Canio and Freddie Kanoute in recent campaigns. The Hammers looked a good bet for the FA Cup this season, after wins at Manchester United and Sunderland, but the side’s slump towards the Premiership basement has now been met with Redknapp’s exit. The progression of home-grown players such as Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand will be seen as the hallmark of Redknapp’s managerial reign at Upton Park. This article © www.teamtalk.com 2001 |
Born: 13th December 1955,
Woodford, Essex Date of Appointment: 14/06/2001 Attended Langton Junior School and Dury Falls Senior School in Hornchurch, Essex. Playing Position: Defender/Midfielder League Appearances: Leyton Orient 115 apps/4 goals, QPR 157 apps/17 goals, Notts County (loan) 4 apps, Newcastle United 193 apps/8 goals, Watford 45 apps/1 goal. Total: 514 league apps/30 goals. Seven England ‘B’ caps. Glenn was captain of every club he played for. |
Joined Arsenal as a 13-year-old during
which time he represented London Boys Under-16s against Birmingham Boys.
Would have won more honours as a schoolboy but was always regarded as
too small at 7st. and 5ft.2ins.Joined Leyton Orient in 1971 as a 16-year-old
apprentice professional. Spent five years at Orient before being transferred
to Queens Park Rangers for £250,000 in 1976 on the recommendation
of John Hollins. Stayed at QPR, which included playing in the 1982 FA
Cup Final v Tottenham Hotspur, until 1983 when transferred to Newcastle
United for £150,000. After six years at St. James’ Park,
Glenn moved to Watford on a free transfer in 1989. He then moved back
to Leyton Orient for six months before being appointed player-manager
of Gillingham in 1992. Saved them from relegation from the Third Division
before leaving the Gills to return to First Division Watford in 1993
as manager when Steve Perryman left to join the managerial team at Spurs.Despite
huge financial and injury problems at Vicarage Road, Watford narrowly
missed the play-offs. During his time at Watford, Glenn made a profit
of £5.4million on transfer dealings, and signed non-league striker
Kevin Phillips for £10,000. He later went on to become a Sunderland
and England star. Glenn was dismissed by Watford in February 1996 but a few weeks later joined Glenn Hoddle’s England backroom staff as a coach and scout. When Hoddle left the England set-up in February 1999, Glenn was invited by Harry Redknapp to join the West Ham United coaching staff the same week. On being promoted to the manager’s job he further enhanced the West Ham links by bringing back Hammer’s goalkeeping legend Ludek Miklosko as goalkeeping coach and inviting Paul Goddard to return as assistant manager. Paul, 41, had been in charge of Ipswich Town’s Youth Academy and helped take the club’s youth team to the 2000/01 Final of the FA Youth Cup. He also gained experience of coaching senior players at the Suffolk club under former West Ham manager John Lyall. Goddard joined West Ham as a player from Queens Park Rangers in August 1980 for a then club record fee of £800,000. The Harlington-born forward went on to make more than 200 League and cup appearances for the Hammers before moving to Newcastle in November 1986. He subsequently played for Derby and Millwall before moving to Ipswich in 1991. Goddard’s appointment will complete Roeder’s coaching team with Roger Cross keeping his position as reserve team coach and Tony Carr as academy director. |
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WEST HAM UNITED: AN ANNOUNCEMENT
14 Jun 2001 08:06 West Ham United are pleased to confirm the appointment
of Glenn Roeder as the new Team Manager. Glenn has been a coach at
the Club for two years and was on Glenn Hoddle’s staff when he
took England to the World Cup finals in France in 1998. He has also
worked with many of the game’s top coaches, including Terry Venables.
Glenn took over as caretaker manager for the last match of the 2000-01
season at Middlesbrough following Harry Redknapp’s departure.
Says Glenn: “Being a local lad, I always followed the Hammers
as a lad and hoped that one day I would be involved with the Club.
When Harry Redknapp brought me in to join the coaching staff I never
dreamed that I would be his successor.” GLENN GETS READY 14 Jun 2001 09:06 Glenn Roeder says his team will ‘hit
the ground running’ when the season kicks off in August. Glenn,
who takes over the reigns as West Ham boss today, knows that he has
to convince fans of his worth - and can only do that when the season
starts. “I would understand a fair few of the supporters being
a little bit puzzled at how I have landed this job but it is up to me
to prove to them that I am up to it and that I can change their minds.
”That is why it will be so important to hit the ground running
and do well in those first few weeks and the coming months thereafter.
“I think winning them over will solely dictated by results and
if we get off to a good start and get points on the scoreboard very
early I’m sure I can win any doubters over. That will be my intention,
and hopefully we can have a good pre-season, and the fixture list will
be kind to us when it comes out. “Every game in the Premiership
is hard, don’t get me wrong, but there are some games that are
a lot harder than others.” Official club press release and interview ©West Ham Utd plc |
CLUB STATEMENT - ROEDER RELEASED - West
Ham United FC - The Official Website Sunday, August 24, 2003 West Ham United wish to announce that Glenn Roeder’s contract has been terminated with immediate effect and he has been relieved of his duties as team manager. The Board would like to place on record their gratitude to Glenn for his hard work and commitment to the Club since his permanent appointment in June 2001. 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 to the Club. The Board however feel 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. Trevor Brooking CBE will once again act as caretaker manager until such time as a permanent successor is appointed. 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. by Freelancer - West Ham United |
Roeder sacking inevitable By Phil McNuly- Chief football writer BBCi Glenn Roeder’s sacking at West Ham United may be regarded as cruel by the misguided few who believe a sliver of sentiment still exists in football. Harsher critics will suggest Roeder would have gone after West Ham’s relegation had he not been struck down by serious illness shortly before the end of last season. One thing is certain - Roeder’s departure was only a matter of time once the Upton Park directors shamelessly sold off the family silver. Once Glen Johnson, Trevor Sinclair, Freddie Kanoute and Joe Cole left Upton Park, Roeder was a condemned man unless the Hammers made a flying start in Division One. Sadly for Roeder, it was more like a flying farce.
Even the opening day win at Preston was overshadowed by a vicious
attack launched on Roeder by match-winner David Connolly, one of the
manager’s few summer signings. Connolly was furious at being replaced
by new loan signing from Liverpool Neil Mellor, who had been picked
up at a service station en route to Lancashire. Perhaps the final
straw was the ridiculous refusal to use the dressing room facilities
at Millmoor for the match at Rotherham. It sent out every sort of
wrong signal from Roeder - irrespective of who actually made the final
decision. It said West Ham felt they were better than some of the
clubs they were being “forced“ to face - a fact their early
season performances hardly backed up. It said West Ham were not actually
acquainted with the battling attitude they would need to cope with
locations they did not regard as glamorous enough for them. And when
West Ham’s insult to Rotherham and the First Division in general was
compounded by the injury of defeat, the circus was leaving town. Roeder has remained a dignified presence throughout a troubled reign at West Ham, even winning over the many sceptics inside Upton Park by guiding the club to seventh in his first season. And his courage can never be doubted after he battled back from brain surgery to take charge again when pre-season training resumed in July. But once the asset-stripping started, Roeder was always going to pay the price if results were not right. Some may even say the sack will be a merciful release for Roeder, given the turmoil surrounding West Ham. But last term was a disaster, with the failure to win a home league game for five months compounded by a crushing 6-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United. Even if Roeder’s sacking cures some of the ills at West Ham, the club’s directors cannot be allowed to dodge the criticism that will rightly fly. Roeder’s departure should not act as a shield for directors against the feelings of angry fans who justifiably feel betrayed. If they feel sacrificing the manager may save their own skins, they may be sadly mistaken. West Ham fans are almost uniquely protective of their club, and they deserve better than all that has happened in the past 12 months. Roeder may be the first casualty inside West Ham’s corridors of power - but it will take quite a turnaround and a miracle managerial appointment to ensure he is not the last. Roeder Never Ducked A Challenge By Neil Silver, PA Sport Sacked West Ham boss Glenn Roeder is not a man to hide from his responsibilities and last season saw him under unrelenting pressure. The Hammers were at the wrong end of the Premiership table all season before finally being relegated on the last day of the season. However Roeder coolly took all the flak in his stride. However, despite the unruffled demeanour, Roeder has in the past been candid about the stresses which managers are subjected to and which led to him collapsing after the Easter Monday win over Middlesbrough at Upton Park. The former Hammers boss, speaking before a league trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in December, acknowledged that it is difficult to avoid pressure. “I don’t pick up the newspapers when we are losing, but by the same token, I don’t pick them up when we are winning,” he said. “I just try to keep focused on the job in hand. “It is hard when you have a wife and three kids, and it is impossible not to take the job home in some form. “Life is a lot easier for everybody when you are winning and the atmosphere is better when the team is doing well. “I am very fortunate to be in a very stable marriage. There isn’t anything which could damage that and I have great support from my wife and three children. “I can understand how, for some high-profile managers, their marriages come under strain.” Even at the height of his illness Roeder never had any thoughts of quitting. He said: “The drug of the job is the excitement of preparing your team all week and hoping it all comes together on a Saturday and you get three points. Then you make everybody happy, the fans, the players, and of course yourself. “If the team has won three points after you have prepared them yourself, it is a very satisfying feeling, maybe even more satisfying than when you have just played and won. “You have to care for everybody, from the goalkeeper to the outside-left and it is very satisfying to be out on the training ground every day working with the players. “Looking at the whole picture, even when we had those bad away results, I have never had any regrets about taking the job and still consider it very much an honour to have been asked.” Those words must seem pretty hollow today following the decision by West Ham to terminate his contract Roeder pays the price for failing to win total respect By Jason Burt 25 August 2003 When Glenn Roeder was appointed manager of West Ham United he was the dressing room choice. Yesterday he was sacked after he and his players refused to even go into a dressing room. The debacle at Millmoor on Saturday confirmed in the minds of the club’s much-maligned directors what they have discussed for many, many months - and something they probably should have acted upon long ago; that Roeder was simply not the right man for the job. His illness - collapsing from a brain tumour in his office at Upton Park last April after a fraught victory over Middlesbrough - complicated matters. Roeder was back at work 12 weeks later, adamant that he could continue and bring the club back into the Premiership after an unthinkable relegation which resulted in a fire sale and the still smouldering threat of administration. Roeder could not be sacked then. But in his absence, at the end of last season, West Ham had not only rallied but had looked more cohesive. A happier club, a more focussed club. Anyone who had attended one of Trevor Brooking’s briefings in those final weeks at Chadwell Heath, the training ground, could not have failed to notice the change in atmosphere and the respect he commanded. Contrast that to 7 August and Roeder’s pre-season gathering with the press. Appearing a little drained, a little nervous, Roeder strode into the room and sat on the platform. Stony-faced. The first question was about whether Jermain Defoe would join the exodus of young talent. There was a delay in the reply, a long delay. Roeder looked up and said: “Welcome back you bastards.“ It was a joke, an ad-lib, as, the decent man he is, he quickly pointed out in case anyone should take offence. But he clearly also meant it. There was something heartfelt and understandable in his words. It was an uncomfortable question-and-answer session. Roeder, for all his insistence that he was in control, did not appear to be. Things were clearly going on without his say-so. The cuts were too deep. And then two days later there was the game against Preston North End in which he was publicly attacked by his latest signing, David Connolly, whom he later described as the “angry ant“. Bizarrely, and in an insight into Roeder’s style, he had intimated to the press that Connolly would not start the match, although he neglected to inform the player. Events were unravelling quickly now. When West Ham played Rushden & Diamonds in the Carling Cup the protests were vicious and aimed at the board. The 0-0 draw with Sheffield United was woeful and then defeat against Rotherham United sealed the end to make a mockery of West Ham’s status as promotion favourites. Something had to give and, with a board such as West Ham’s and a chairman such as the uncommunicative Terence Brown, it was the manager. Roeder, 47, and a father of three, is well aware of the club’s heritage and importance to its community. He was born five miles away from Upton Park and both of his brothers-in-law are avid Hammers’ fans. It is in his blood. He also knows that, from the day he took the job, two years ago, many people, including most West Ham fans, did not think he was the right man to take over from Harry Redknapp. It is difficult to succeed if you do not have the support. But, on the coaching staff, he was popular with the young players that West Ham were then desperate to hold on to. They had seen Frank Lampard say he was adamant about leaving. What about Joe Cole and Michael Carrick? When these players, alarmed at the prospect of someone such as George Graham coming in, went to see the chairman and advocated evolution, not revolution, he acceded. Giving in to the demands of players is rarely regarded as a wise policy and may have meant, perhaps, that Roeder was beholden to them. Ironically, it was the departure of Cole, beyond the manager’s control, which sealed his fate. Roeder is clearly a well-regarded coach and was used by Glenn Hoddle when manager of England, but so were Brian Kidd and Stuart Gray, neither of whom lasted long in management. It also did not help that his previous experience, at Gillingham and Watford, was poor. Roeder is a popular figure in the game. There was genuine warmth shown towards him by the footballing knights, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Robson last season. The man himself has spoken of how touched he was by the response of so many people to his illness, Roeder is clearly an honourable man, but one whose honour often translates itself into brittleness. There have been too many fall-outs with players, too many disagreements, too little respect shown in his direction. And too many defeats. ROEDER’S GONE WEST - WHO’S NEXT FOR HAMMERS? - WILLIAM HILL With the departure of Glenn Roeder, William Hill make Trevor Brooking 5/4 favourite to be installed as the next permanent manager of West Ham, and also offer 5/2 Paul Goddard; 5/1 Alan Pardew; 6/1 Ian Dowie; 10/1 Ronnie Moore; Bryan Robson; 12/1 Steve Cotterill; Joe Kinnear; Stuart Pearce; 16 Alan Curbishley; 20 George Graham; Paul Hart; 25 Trond Sollied; Neil Warnock; Trevor Francis. Harry Redknapp is a 66/1 shot to return. **West Ham are currently 4/1 second favourites (WBA are 7/2 favs) to win the First Division title with Hills and 50/1 to be relegated. |
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| Born: 2/10/1948,
Barking, East London Date of Appointment: 24/04/2003 He attended Ripple School and Ilford County High and played for Ilford, London and Essex schools teams. Playing Position: Midfielder League Appearances: West Ham: League 528/ 88 goals, Cup 104/14 goals. Forty seven England caps scoring five times. |
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| Trevor’s appointment
came about due to the illness suffered by Manager Glenn Roeder. When
it became apparent that Glenn would not be fit enough to continue for
the last three games of the season the board asked Trevor to step in
as caretaker boss. Trevor did so and ended as possibly the only West
Ham manager ever to have an undefeated record! His tenure saw Hammers
win twice and draw and although he couldn’t prevent relegation his reputation
is enhanced by his calm demeanor and authoritative handling of the players
and media. Indeed, it was not until Peters left in March ’70 that Trevor completed 30 senior games for the club. He was so frustrated at being left out of the side that he handed a transfer request to manager Ron Greenwood at the end of the 1970-71 campaign. Thankfully, it was never granted. A player of immense guile and vision, Trevor seemed almost to glide across the turf, spraying defence-splitting passes with either foot and scoring the occasional spectacular stunner himself. He wasn’t the greatest tackler, lacked pace and is still ribbed for rarely using his head, but he was by far the most creative influence in the side, especially under the management of John Lyall in the late 70s/early 80s. Trevor was outstanding in some pretty ordinary Hammers teams and after collecting an FA Cup winners’ medal at the expense of Fulham in 1975, faced a difficult career decision when his beloved Hammers were relegated three years later. By then, Greenwood, had moved from Upton Park into the England management hot seat and after reassurances from Ron that Second Division football would not hinder his international chances, Trevor reaffirmed his commitment to the West Ham cause. Just as well that he did, for in May 1980 came the highlight of his long and distinguished career. In the FA Cup final against Arsenal, Trevor netted the winner in the 13th minute - with his head! The following season, Brooking was brilliant as Hammers romped to the Second Division title with a record points total and lost narrowly to Liverpool in a replay of the League Cup final. He remained an automatic choice for England, winning 47 full caps, where he fashioned an almost telepathic understanding with striker Kevin Keegan. Trevor scored some vital goals, most notably two against Hungary in a 1981 World Cup qualifier in Budapest. But injury cruelly denied him the chance to make a big impression on the greatest stage of all. He and Keegan were both battling to regain full fitness as England’s 1982 World Cup finals campaign in Spain reached a crucial stage and, despite their late appearance as substitutes, they could not stop England from going out at the hands of their hosts in Madrid. The last of his 636 appearances in a West Ham shirt (mostly wearing 10) - only Bonds, Frank Lampard and Moore played more league games - was on the evening of Monday, May 14, when he took an emotional farewell lap of honour prior to the final home game against Everton. A successful businessman, Trevor retains
directorships in several companies but has steadfastly resisted the
thought of entering the precarious world of football management (he
was considered an ideal candidate to partner his friend, Billy Bonds,
when Bonzo took the West Ham job alone in 1990). One of the game’s true
gentleman and a fine ambassador, Trevor now works behind the scenes
for Sport England, but is more readily associated with the BBC as a
leading radio and TV pundit. He was appointed a Member of the West Ham
United board of directors in 2002. |
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THE OFFICIAL NOTICE OF TREVOR’S APPOINTMENT FROM THE CLUB WEB SITE TREVOR TAKES OVER 24 Apr 2003 10:00 Due to the illness suffered by Glenn Roeder following our game against Middlesbrough on Monday, Trevor Brooking CBE has agreed to act as caretaker-manager for the remainder of the season. All of the existing coaching staff will remain in their current positions, and are fully supportive of both this temporary appointment and the club’s determination to finish the season above the relegation zone. Trevor, a current board member, says upon confirming his acceptance of the position: “This seems to be the most sensible solution to preserve the continuity that Glenn and his back-room team have put into place. “We aim to keep the momentum going that everyone has achieved over the last eight matches when 15 points have been gained.“ Trevor, the board and everyone at West Ham United continue to send their best wishes of support to Glenn and his family, and look forward to welcoming him back as soon as he is fit and well again. The press call scheduled for tomorrow,
Friday 25th April, at Chadwell Heath will take still take place at 9.00am
for TV, radio and written press, and 10.30am for photographers. |
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HOW THE BBC TOLD THE STORY Hammers appoint Brooking Brooking has three games to save West Ham. Trevor Brooking has been appointed caretaker manager of West Ham in the absence of Glenn Roeder. Hammers legend Brooking, who is a BBC pundit, will take charge of the side for the final three games of the season as the London club battle to avoid relegation. Roeder is recovering at the Royal London Hospital after suffering a blocked blood vessel in his brain. The Hammers boss remains in a “stable“ condition, but will not return for any of West Ham’s remaining three Premiership games. HAMMERS’ REMAINING GAMES In his absence, Brooking will be responsible for team selection and news conferences. “Everyone wants to give it everything in the next two-and-a-half weeks - and that is what we are going to do,“ said Brooking. “It would be a huge anti-climax to go out with a whimper, and, although it has been a very difficult few days, we have got to steel ourselves for these two-and-a-half weeks.“ The West Ham board confirmed in a statement that assistant manager Paul Goddard and coach Roger Cross will continue to look after matters on the training pitch. “All of the existing coaching staff will remain in their current positions, and are fully supportive of both this temporary appointment and the club’s determination to finish the season above the relegation zone,“ the statement read. “The spirit is good and I know myself how hard Glenn has worked to put a structure in place, with Paul and Roger on the coaching side,“ added Brooking. “We wanted to keep that going. If we were mid-table, with two or three games to go, Roger and Paul would have seen out the season.“ PREMIERSHIP BASEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 W Ham 35 points John Motson, Brooking’s partner in the BBC commentary box, believes West Ham have made a wise choice in appointing the former England international as caretaker manager. “Trevor is well respected in the dressing room because he has been there and done it,“ Motson told the Evening Standard. “I know that he went into the dressing room not long after they had lost 7-1 to Blackburn early last season and gave the players a real pep talk which was greatly appreciated. “While Trevor’s intervention wasn’t the only reason, West Ham’s season showed huge improvement. They had been struggling until that point but ended up seventh.“ West Ham are third from bottom and know that realistically they must win at least two of their remaining three games to have a chance of retaining their Premiership status. Brooking’s first decision could surround whether or not to recall Paolo di Canio for Sunday’s match against Kevin Keegan’s side. The Italian has been frozen out after criticising Roeder following the win at West Bromwich Albion in February. But with the Hammers desperate for a win at Maine Road, the emergency managerial team could turn to the flamboyant Italian. |
