EAMONN Dolan turned down a number of opportunities to go into management to remain loyal to Reading FC.

Dolan had been in charge of the Royals Academy for 12 years before his untimely death from cancer last week, aged 48.

He became one of the most respected youth team coaches in the country and had a string of offers to manage league clubs.

But Dolan felt he was more comfortable working with young players and developing them for senior football.

A total of 33 youngsters from the Royals Academy went on to play for the first team and the club’s safeguarding office and historian, David Downs, paid tribute to Dolan’s expertise.

“I had the privilege of working alongside Eamonn Dolan at the Reading FC Academy for 12 years,” said Downs.

“He dedicated his life to nurturing the talented young players at Reading.

“He saw them not just as commodities or potential professional players but young adults whose welfare and education were prime considerations.

“I know he gave up several management opportunities to remain with Reading FC and his contribution to the club cannot be underestimated.

“A total of 17 Academy graduates either played or were on the bench for the first team last season which is an incredible statistic.”

Dolan’s death sparked an outpouring of grief from Reading players past and present and other connected to the club.

Downs added: “Eamonn had time for everybody and was always a polite and attentive listener.

“He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

“His name lives on with the outstanding success of the Royals Academy.

“Reading Football Club and the football world in general is all the poorer for his passing.”

Dolan’s former assistant, Lee Heron, has been promoted to Academy Director.

  • EAMONN Dolan’s funeral will take place next Tuesday at Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road, Wokingham (11am).