Brooking takes the helm

Former English international Trevor Brooking has taken over as caretaker manager of relegation-threatened West Ham United FC for the last three matches of the season.

Roeder in hosptial
Regular manager Glenn Roeder was taken to the Royal London Hospital following Monday's English Premiership victory against Middlesbrough FC after collapsing with chest pains, and was diagnosed with a blockage of a minor blood vessel in his brain. With Roeder unable to resume his duties before the end of the season, Brooking, currently on the club board, has temporarily assumed his role, alongside assistant manager Paul Goddard and coach Roger Cross.

FA Cup winner
Barking-born Brooking, 54, spent his entire playing career with West Ham from leaving school in 1965 to retiring in 1984, scoring the winning goal in the 1980 FA Cup final and gaining 47 England caps. Since finishing playing he has been a regular pundit for BBC television and radio and, until October 2002, chaired funding body Sport England. He was appointed to the board last year.

'Sensible solution'
Brooking takes over a team four points adrift of fourth-bottom Bolton Wanderers FC with three matches left, and said: "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."
 
Club statement
A club statement read: "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."

'Stable condition'
Yesterday, the club confirmed that Roeder's condition was not critical. A statement read: "Mr Glenn Roeder remains in a stable condition and has had a satisfactory day. Doctors are continuing with their investigations."