Reading academy boss Eamonn Dolan dies aged 48
Tuesday 21 June 2016 15:19, UK
Reading academy manager Eamonn Dolan has died at the age of 48.
A club statement confirmed the Irishman had "lost a brave battle against cancer", 23 years after a playing career featuring spells at West Ham, Birmingham and Exeter was cut short by the disease.
Dolan went on to manage Exeter before joining Reading as academy boss in 2004, and he was briefly in charge following Brian McDermott's departure during the Premier League season of 2013/4.
Reading's statement read: "It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we regretfully inform supporters of the passing of Eamonn Dolan, who tragically lost a brave battle against cancer on Monday evening at the age of 48.
"Our sincere condolences go out to his family and many, many friends. Eamonn was, and will forever remain, one of our own.
"His energy for football was infectious. His enthusiasm for the sport we all love was evident in every compelling word he uttered. The level of pride he had 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."
