Brooking to stand in as the West Ham saviour

Trevor Brooking is to take charge of West Ham United for the final three games of the season following the health problems of the club's manager, Glenn Roeder. An announcement is expected today.

In an extraordinary move, Brooking has put himself forward as a figurehead – in control on match-days and as a spokesman – with the first-team coach, Paul Goddard, and the reserve team manager, Roger Cross, taking charge of training. The two coaches are not regarded as "strong enough" characters to be in overall control as West Ham try to escape relegation from the Premiership.

Roeder spent yesterday undergoing more tests at the Royal London Hospital after being admitted on Monday evening, following the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, complaining of chest pains. It was later discovered that the 47-year-old is suffering from a blockage to a blood vessel in the brain. The condition can be stress-induced and can result in a stroke. It was confirmed yesterday that Roeder, a father of three, will take no further part in the remainder of West Ham's season. Last night his condition was "stable".

Brooking, a non-executive director, met yesterday with other board members before a reserve game in Woking against Fulham which all the club's directors were due to attend. The 55-year-old said: "We shall be meeting today after we receive the results from Glenn's tests and until then I don't know what will be happening." Several senior players were also consulted.

The former England midfielder, who played 636 times for West Ham in a one-club career which spanned three decades, commands respect and would be a popular, if unlikely, choice. His presence may placate fans if the club does go down. Since retiring, Brooking has worked for the BBC and has garnered several directorships including a three-year stint as chairman of Sport England.

Brooking has hinted that he regrets not going into management – although he says that when the opportunity to take charge of his beloved West Ham previously occurred the salary on offer was less than he was earning from his other jobs. However, any appointment now would be a short-term measure.