Reading striker Jason Roberts has issued his thanks to departing manager Brian McDermott.

With the Royals second from bottom in the Premier League table, the club's owner Anton Zingarevich has decided that with nine matches left to play the team need some fresh coaching input.

McDermott guided the Berkshire side to the top flight last season and for that alone, veteran centre-forward Roberts believes that he is deserving of a lot of credit.

"He's a football man and a good man and I just think at this moment in time we take stock of what he has achieved and place on record our thanks," Roberts told Sky Sports News.

"I as an individual player and I'm sure the others would like to place on record their thanks for what he and his team have achieved for us."

McDermott signed Roberts from Blackburn Rovers in January 2012.