Roeder Offered New Contract

Last updated : 04 February 2002 By Mike Reich
Following most of a season in the hotseat, it appears that Glenn Roeder has impressed both Hammers fans and the board - not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

When he was appointed last summer, he was given a one-year contract, and around £12m to spend in the transfer market. It appears that in the light of the team's 'improvement' this season, he has reputedly been offered a 3 year contract that would see him through to 2005, thought to be worth in the region of £2m.

"We're in an advanced state of negotiations," said West Ham's managing director Paul Aldridge to the Evening Standard. "Hopefully everything will be settled within the next week or so."

Although the team are not in a much better position now in a straight comparison to last year, the board would have been more than pleased with several specific areas of Glenn's work: namely his transfer dealings and media handling.

He has bought David James, Don Hutchison and Tomas Repka, in addition to Sebastien Schemmel, Laurent Courtois, Sven Andersson and the recently signed Vladimir Labant.

Of these, Sven was bought as a back up in goal, although as yet he has not been required, and Laurent Courtois was required earlier in the season when we were at times desperately short in midfield.

One might think that we have signed a new centre-back too, following the recent performances of Christian Dailly, but it might just as easily be put down to Roeder's concentration on defending in training recently.

Glenn's handling of the media has been impressive, in particular with the Paolo di Canio situation in recent weeks. Harry was loved by the media - always quick to offer them a gem or two of his wisdom. Glenn prefers to tell them how it is, if there is indeed something to tell.

Although there are some areas the team still needs improving in (away goals anyone?), it is clear that Glenn is leading the club in the right direction, and it is right that the club give him a proper chance to deliver the goods.