Former West Ham boss Glenn Roeder was on Tuesday appointed Academy manager at Newcastle.

Ex-Magpies skipper Roeder has been given the job after the club's youth set-up was restructured and will take up his post next month.

"I am absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity," he told the club's official website.

"I am looking forward to unearthing some talented youngsters who I hope will eventually make it into the first team.

"This area is undoubtedly one of the true hotbeds of football. I know that from the time I spent here as a player, and I'm looking forward to returning to the club in this role - it's a great challenge for me."

Roeder's appointment comes after former first-team coach John Carver's departure as Academy director, a post which has now been discontinued.

Roeder, who recovered from a brain tumour in 2003 but was later sacked by West Ham as they slipped out of the Barclays Premiership, made 219 appearances in Newcastle's defence after signing for £120,000 from QPR in December 1983.

He became a crowd favourite at St James' Park and has retained his affection for the club since departing for Watford at the end of the 1988-89 season.