Roeder ready for challenge

Roeder has made a rapid recovery

West Ham manager Glenn Roeder has returned to work at West Ham vowing: "I feel fine and I'm ready for the challenge."

Roeder collapsed after the 1-0 win Middlesbrough in April and has been convalescing after a operation to remove a brain tumour.

"There is unfinished business as far as I'm concerned," said the West Ham manager.

"It's been tough over the past few months - especially for my family - but that's all behind us now.

"I feel good, I've waited a long time for this and I can't wait to get started.

"I have been away for a holiday with the family and now it's down to work. There's a lot to be done."

West Ham's players - minus the string of stars released and a handful of internationals given extra time off - began pre-season training on Tuesday in preparation for the start of their Division One campaign at Preston on 9 August.

Roeder maintains West Ham were unfortunate to be relegated.

"In any other season, our run after Christmas would have been more than enough to see us safe - but not this time," he told the London Evening Standard.

"Relegation was hard to take for everyone - but it's a reality and we have to deal with it."

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