Boss Steve Coppell believes it was the right time for Bobby Convey to make the next step in his footballing career.

Convey left Reading by mutual consent late last week, and Steve wishes the 25-year-old winger all the very best as he prepares for a likely move back to the American MLS.

Steve said, "Bobby goes with our best wishes.

"Unfortunately in the last couple of years he has just not been a factor in our team, and with the new MLS season coming up, it was best for him to be in the mix over there.

"For one season Bobby did terrifically well and then injuries affected his momentum. Bobby was the impetus for Stephen Hunt to play so well over the last couple of years; the competitive nature of the two of them brought out the best in each other and he put pressure on.

"Because he wasn't going to be a factor in the team here, we signed Jay Tabb during the window.

"He goes with our good wishes, we hope he does well and we hope to see him again."

Bobby joined Reading in the summer of 2004 from Major League Soccer's DC United, and made 7(+15) appearances in his first year in English football.

In 2005/6, he was a cornerstone in our record-breaking 106-point Coca-Cola Championship triumph. He only missed one league game, and that was when rested for an end-of-season game when we already already been crowned Champions.

He scored seven goals during that campaign, including a goal of the season contender at home to Millwall.

In the summer of 2006 he became the first player in our history to play in the World Cup while signed for the Royals.

Our debut Premiership campaign 2006/7 saw him make 8(+1) League apperances, and a further three in the FA Cup.

Last season he lined up in 12(+8) Premier League games, and a further four in the cups, scoring against Liverpool in a Carling Cup loss.

At the start of this 2008/9 season he was in the team, and made 6(+3) appearances in all competitions. His last appearance was the 2-0 FA Cup loss at Cardiff in January.