One of the most experienced managers in football has called on West Ham's players to repay the dedication of Glenn Roeder by winning their remaining games and salvaging top flight status.

Lawrie McMenemy, who took charge of more than 1,000 games at club and international level, insists that the players owe it to their sick boss to produce performances that will ease the pressure on him.

And he also warned the Upton Park boo-boys that they should be ashamed of their own part of piling up the stress for the manager.

"The pressure of staying in the top division is incredible, especially for a club like West Ham with their financial commitments," said McMenemy, who is honorary vice-president of the League Managers' Association (LMA).

"Even a club as well-run as Ipswich have found it almost impossible to survive after going down.

"You would hope that the players will go out in the last three games and give 150 percent to win them for him.

"They have to stand up and be counted -- they are on huge salaries and if they are not performing maybe a few of them should be taking a look in the mirror."

But he reserved special criticism for the fans who jeered Roeder during Monday's win over Middlesbrough -- just hours before his dramatic collapse.

"That's just unbelievable," McMenemy said. "I think there might be a few embarrassed supporters now.

"Glenn is a genuine, honest man and that's been clear to everyone all season.

"He was thrown in at West Ham and you can't blame the lad for taking the job on."

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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