Roeder thanks the fans

Glenn Roeder expressed his "sincere thanks and affection" to Newcastle fans after standing down as manager following a disastrous season.

Former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is favourite to succeed Roeder at St James' Park after the 51-year-old called it a day on Sunday.

"Our fans don't deserve the results we have had. They are the best fans in the country and I wanted to bring success," Roeder said in the Daily Mirror.

"I'm a huge Newcastle fan. I would like to have been the person to oversee the changes so urgently required.

"I wish the new manager the best but, most importantly, I want to convey my sincere thanks and affection to all Newcastle fans.

"They have always been an inspiration to me both during my playing and managerial career. It was a great honour.

"Results have not been what I would have wished. We were dogged by horrendous injuries but I was very proud of the players."