Fans, players and staff stood to applaud Rado Vidosic before the club’s Premier League and WSL fixtures at the weekend.
Rado was part of the women’s team’s coaching staff last season and is father of head coach Dario, who returned to Australia recently to be with his family.
Roberts has so far been in charge for three games, the first two of which were won before a hugely frustrating 2-1 home defeat by London City Lionesses.
He told The Argus: “It was a lovely tribute from the club and I thought it was a really nice opportunity for the fans, the club, the playing staff, the coaching staff, everybody, all the players to join together and show their respects and for an amazing man.
“I’m in touch with Dario. He’s a colleague and he’s a close friend so just being showing as much support as I can for him any somewhere.”
Albion dominated early on against City, went ahead with a superbly worked goal and hit the post twice.
They handed their visitors a lifeline with a gift own goal to put them level.
City went ahead on half-time on a counter-attack after Nadine Noordam’s shot had come back off the upright.
Roberts said: “In any game, you talk about the importance of performance, because last week against Everton, first half, we were exceptional.
Tribute to Rado Vidosic ahead of the Premier League game aginst Everton (Image: Simon Dack)
“Second half, we weren’t so happy with our performance,
“We still win the game, but it doesn’t mean that when we get back to base that we are happy with that because we want to do better in our performances.
“Today we’ve not got the three points, but the performance was there so it’s a bit building confidence on that.
“If you if you get that right more often than not, the results fall into place.”
Albion visit West Ham on Sunday and Roberts is scheduled to take the press conference leading up to that game.
Meanwhile 18-year-old striker Olivia Johnson has joined WSL2 side Nottingham Forest on loan for the remainder of the season.
Forest recently turned in a creditable performance at the Broadfield Stadium in the FA Cup.
Albion under-19s head coach Danielle Bowman said: “This is another great opportunity for OJ to get regular exposure in a senior environment.
“Forest are having a decent season in the WSL2 following promotion and this will be a chance for OJ to add her qualities to the squad, learn from experienced players, and help Forest climb the table.