ROEDER APPOINTED HAMMERS BOSS
Roeder himself seemed surprised by the decision of the Hammers' hierachy, but expressed his delight at being offered such a prestigious position.
"When Harry Redknapp brought me in to join the coaching staff I never dreamed I would be his successor," he told the official West Ham website.
"I know many supporters expected a bigger name to take over and I realise the huge responsibility that goes with the job, but I am ready to embrace the task ahead. This is a very proud day for me."
Managing director Paul Aldridge believes that the club have made the correct decision, adding: "We are delighted to give one of the the game's most respected young coaches the opportunity to take us forward.
"Of course there were other candidates in the frame, but we were very impressed with the ideas Glenn put forward and his strategy for developing all areas of coaching, discipline, advanced fitness training and even a sports psychology programme similar to those being used by other top Premiership clubs.
"There will be substantial money made available for Glenn to spend on new players."
Since the shock resignation of Harry Redknapp five weeks ago the Hammers hierarchy have failed in attempts to lure Alan Curbishley, Steve McClaren and Alex Mcleish to East London.
The news that the unfashionable Roeder is to assume the hot-seat will come as a surprise to the West Ham faithful with many expecting a big-name appointment.
The Hammers board believes that Roeder has the respect of the young stars having been on the coaching staff for two years.
England midfielder Joe Cole, 19, backed the former Gillingham boss, declaring: "I will always say he is probably in the top three coaches I have ever worked with.
"I have worked with Steve McClaren, Kevin Keegan, Peter Taylor, Howard Wilkinson, all the coaches at West Ham and he is up there with any of them.
"He really is a top quality coach and the important thing is he knows the lads."
Roeder is due to sign a two-year contract at the Upton Park club worth an estimated £1 million.
The former Watford player reportedly wants Brentford supremo Ray Lewington as his number two and Ludek Miklosko is likely to replace Les Sealey as goalkeeping coach.
Roeder has limited experience in the managerial field but of greater concern for the West Ham fans is his relatively poor track-record.
Roeder lost 22 out of 35 games in a one-year spell at Gillingham and three years in charge at Watford between 1993 and 1996 saw him lose a third of the 139 matches spent at the helm.
The new Hammers boss' first task will be to keep the nucleas of the team together with many fans fearing a player exodus with the imminent £11 million transfer of Frank Lampard to London rivals Chelsea.
On Thursday, enigmatic Italian striker Paolo Di Canio questioned the ambition of West Ham, declaring: "I don't want this club to turn into another Sheffield Wednesday, selling the best players and getting relegated and becoming a mediocre First Division side.
"West Ham are a talented club, but we need a strong, expert manager to bring everything together."
Ludek Miklosko, who has been released by Queens Park Rangers, is returning to Upton Park as goalkeeping coach.
Click here to see Glenn Roeder talking about his Hammers appointment
