EAMONN Dolan, who spearheaded the success of Reading's Academy, has died aged 48 following a battle with cancer.

Dolan passed away yesterday evening surrounded by his family.

He had beaten testicular cancer earlier in his life, but the disease returned last summer and he required surgery to remove a tumour followed by chemotherapy.

Reading fans were quick to rally round the ex-West Ham player by sending him cards and get well wishes.

They also held a spontaneous round of applause in the 21st minute of the opening home league game of last season to mark the recent success he had enjoyed with the club's Under 21s team.

Born in Galway, Dolan, whose twin brother, Pat, is a former manager and current agent, was always proud of his Irish heritage.

He joined Reading in 2004 when he was poached from Exeter City to re-shape the future of the club's Academy.

He was perfectly suited to the role as his softy-spoken yet intelligent approach to coaching made his hugely popular with younger players.

In all, 32 players emerged from the Royals Academy to play first-team football, while dozens more went on to enjoy successful careers with other clubs.

He was a close ally to first team managers Steve Coppell, Brendan Rodgers, Brian McDermott, Nigel Adkins and Steve Clarke.

Dolan even stood in the dugout himself as caretaker boss for a Premier League clash against Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in 2013.

Reading fans are now calling on the club to name the Madejski Stadium's north stand after Dolan.

Meanwhile, Reading FC have opened a book of condolence in honour of Dolan.

It will be kept in the main reception at Madejski Stadium so that fans can leave their own personal messages.

Eamonn Dolan's family have released the following statement:

"The family of Eamonn Dolan are heartbroken to announce the death of their beloved husband, father, brother and uncle.

No words or feelings can express of our loss.  We are honoured to have had such an incredible person to have loved, and been loved by, in our lives – if for too short a time.

We would like to thank Reading FC and all the fans for the support, gifts, cards, letters and messages that were received by Eamonn during his illness.

It has been a testament to the way he lived his life – positively, professionally, profoundly helping and touching other people.  He was proud to serve this great club.

To all the other the other clubs that have been so kind, especially West Ham and Exeter City, we are very grateful.  The support from the Premier League and the Football Association has been an incredible comfort.

Lastly, thank you to Eamonn’s wonderful colleagues and staff at Reading FC who he considered to be not just workmates, but friends.

He was eternally grateful for their extraordinary efforts in helping to build the youth structure into the Premier League Category 1 Academy that it is today.

Thank you."