Reading academy manager Eamonn Dolan dies at 48

Reading FC stalwart Eamonn Dolan has passed away aged 48, after battling against cancer for a little under one year.

The Irishman spent 12 years with the Royals, as well as at Exeter City, Birmingham City and West Ham in a career spanning 23 years. A club statement published by Reading confirmed their fondly-regarded member had died on Monday.

The statement read: “It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that Reading Football Club regretfully inform its supporters of the passing of Eamonn Dolan, who we tragically lost yesterday evening following a courageous battle against cancer at the age of 48.

“His energy for football was infectious. His enthusiasm for the sport we all love was evident in his every compelling word he uttered. The pride in his work was enviable. And each young player who Eamonn carefully nurtured through our Academy ranks and into professional football will today stand tall as testament to one great man’s total dedication and unassuming but single-minded commitment to his job. Eamonn led by shining example. And most notably, his love for this club was overwhelming.

“That love was mutual. Everyone who worked with him at Reading respected and admired a man who will be desperately missed by staff, managers, coaches and players – both past and present throughout his 12 years as a Royal.

“Our sincere condolences go out to his family and many, many friends. Eamonn was, and will forever remain, one of our own,” an emotionally worded statement said.

Under Dolan’s tenure Reading had long been rated as a ‘Category 1’ academy by the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), the standards auditor that assesses clubs nationwide. The Royals lossed this title before having the grading for their Hogwood Park facilities reaffirmed once again as the best possible on the day of Dolan’s passing.

As such many players have benefitted under the guidance of Dolan, with tributes spreading throughout social media among the professionals whose abilities he helped to develop.

No words can describe how much dedication this man put into football, helped so many to get the best out themselves! https://t.co/rGX6ca64wZ

— Aaron Kuhl (@Aaron_Kuhl) June 21, 2016

Eamonn Dolan leader mentor father figure to so many, me included. Will never be forgotten thank you for everything ❤ pic.twitter.com/DbFOWDL9It

— Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu (@RobsonKanu) June 21, 2016

All at Exeter City were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Eamonn Dolan: https://t.co/gJQUkPEZGD #ECFC pic.twitter.com/ncYwxXUlu5

— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) June 21, 2016

Just heard the sad news of Eamonn Dolan. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. He'll be sadly missed at Reading FC.

— Paul McShane (@pmacca15) June 21, 2016

Devastated over the news of Eamonn passing ,was such an amazing person and helped so many of us over the years … https://t.co/X7Uzhok7Dj

— adam federici (@federici32) June 21, 2016