Eamonn Dolan: Reading FC north stand to be named after academy coach

Eamonn Dolan died aged 48 in June after receiving chemotherapy in August 2015 for a cancerous tumour on his bladder

Reading FC's north stand will be named after the club's former academy coach who died last month.

Eamonn Dolan, who had received treatment for a tumour on his bladder, died on 21 June.

The 48 year old, whose funeral is being held in Wokingham, will be remembered by the club and fans at the Madejski Stadium.

The academy manager coached several international footballers including Hal Robson-Kanu and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

'Undisputed club hero'

Dolan had his playing career cut short after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1993.

After a spell as manager of Exeter between 2002 and 2004, he joined the Royals as their academy manager.

The north stand at the Madejski Stadium will be renamed after former coach Eamonn Dolan, and will be debuted at the Royals' first Championship game against Preston North End

One of the club's owners, Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth said: "The Eamonn Dolan Stand will be our way of remembering a great man."

The new name will be debuted when the Royals host Preston North End on 6 August.

'A thoroughly good bloke' - Tim Dellor, BBC Berkshire Sport's Editor

"Eamonn was a superb coach and the most loyal of servants to Reading FC and - above all - a thoroughly good bloke, so this move by the club is entirely fitting."

"His contribution to Reading's most successful period was huge."

Former Reading owner and current chairman Sir John Madesjki said: "He was just the most amazing gentleman that you could wish to meet.

"Loyal, upstanding, and his enthusiasm and devotion to me and Reading FC was overwhelming."