Former Watford manager and defender Glenn Roeder has died.

A highly thought of coach who also managed Gillingham, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Norwich City, Roeder passed away at the age of 65 following a long battle with a brain tumour.

Roeder managed the Hornets from 1993 to 1996 having made 86 league and cup appearances for the club between 1989 and 1991.

Paying tribute on social media, Watford tweeted: "All of us at Watford FC are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Glenn Roeder.

"The thoughts of us all are with his family and friends at this sad time.

"RIP, Glenn."

His death was announced by the League Manager’s Association and chairman Howard Wilkinson said: “A cultured defender as a player, he managed with a studious style and was always generous with his time and ideas. Glenn was such an unassuming, kind gentleman who demonstrated lifelong dedication to the game. Not one to court headlines, his commitment and application to his work at all levels warrants special mention.

"Football has lost a great servant today and our sincere condolences go to Glenn’s family and friends.

Harrow Times:

LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan added: “Glenn achieved so much throughout his lifelong career in the game. After retiring as a player, he became one of the country’s most respected coaches, working across all levels of the professional game, in senior and academy football, and acting as a trusted advisor to many coaches and players. At every club, he chose to develop new talent and to give opportunities to the younger players in his charge.

“He will be sorely missed by all of the LMA’s members and his colleagues from across the game. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Glenn’s wife Faith, his daughter Holly, his sons Will and Joe and all of Glenn’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Former Watford head coach Nigel Pearson has shared an emotional tribute to "my friend".

Writing on Twitter, he said: When I learned today the devastating, sad news that Glenn Roeder had lost his battle with a brain tumour it stopped me in my tracks.

"Not just because we shared fun on coaching courses. Not just because he asked me to be his assistant at Newcastle United where we had incredible fun together and success. Not just because he and his family, Faith, Holly, Will and Joe welcomed my family to Newcastle and made us feel included with their genuine warmth and affection. All of these things, and because he was a man with incredible integrity, humility, warmth, humour and humanity.

"A sensitive caring man who didn't always have as high a regard for himself as others had for him. He was loved and admired by those who worked with him. I loved working to "Glenn time".

"Nicky, Hannah & James send their love. I'll miss you, my friend x"

Watford legend Nigel Gibbs posted this tribute to Roeder on Twitter:

While in charge at West Ham in April 2003 Roeder, who had led the club to a seventh-placed finish the season before, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He had to undergo surgery and a period of recovery before returning to the dugout in July of the same year.

West Ham said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Glenn Roeder at the age of 65. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Glenn’s family and friends”, while his other clubs all paid their own tributes.

Don Hutchison, who played under Roeder at West Ham, shared an emotional memory from their time working together.

Hutchison wrote on Twitter: “I’ll never ever forget when my dad was passing away. The gaffer told me to get in my car to Newcastle and go see him quick.

“Glenn was on the phone with me for all five hours of my journey! Sleep well gaffa. My thoughts are with his family.”

Former England striker Gary Lineker called Roeder “a real football man who had a great career both on the field and in the dugout”.

Gary Neville worked with Roeder when he was a player in the England set-up.

He said on Sky Sports: “He was a fantastic person, well respected by all the players and it’s really sad news.”

Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul, who played under Roeder at Newcastle in 2006-07, tweeted: “So sad to hear the news that Glenn Roeder passed away. The man who believed in me and who gave me my @NUFC debut.”

As a player Roeder captained QPR in the 1982 FA Cup final against Tottenham, which they lost following a replay, and to the Second Division title in 1983.

At Newcastle he made 219 senior appearances in five years and also led them to promotion from the Second Division in 1984.

His last role in the game was as a managerial advisor at Stevenage in 2016.