SIR John Madejski has continued the tributes for Eamonn Dolan by insisting the late Reading FC Academy Director made an 'enormous contribution' to the club's success.

Dolan lost his battle with cancer on Monday, aged 48.

It was followed by an outpouring of grief from players past and present who were eager to pay their respects to the much-loved Irish-born coach.

Now Royals co-chairman Sir John Madejski has also released his own personal tribute in the form of a statement.

It reads: “Words cannot express the sadness that I, and everybody involved in Reading Football Club, is feeling at the passing of Eamonn Dolan.

“My sympathies go out to his family. Eamonn and his brother Pat have been so instrumental in the success of Reading Football Club, especially under my stewardship as chairman.

“We will never forget the enormous contribution that Eamonn bestowed on Reading Football Club. His work at the Academy was the making of Reading Football Club’s greatest ever period of success, and Eamonn played a huge part in that period.”

He adds: “Eamonn was one of the most charming, loyal, wonderful human beings that one could ever wish to meet.

“His death at the tender age of 48 is an enormous tragedy for everyone.

“He was just the most amazing gentleman that you could wish to meet.

“He was loyal and upstanding, and his enthusiasm and devotion to me and Reading Football Club was overwhelming.

“I know that we are all saddened by what has happened. But not many people can pass on and leave such a fantastic legacy behind. His contribution is unsurpassable.”

Dolan developed 33 Academy players for the first team in his time with Reading FC, while dozens more went on to enjoy successful careers with other clubs.

Royals fans are now calling on the club to form a permanent tribute, with suggestions including naming the Madejski Stadium north stand or the Academy itself after him.

The possibility of a fundraising friendly match against one of his former clubs West Ham, has also been mooted.