READING FC are re-naming the Madejski Stadium north stand in honour of Eamonn Dolan.

Dolan, whose funeral takes place in Wokingham today, died from cancer a fortnight ago, aged 48.

Royals were in the process of consulting with supporters over a new name for the stand when Dolan tragically passed away.

Fans immediately began calling for a lasting memorial and the club has now confirmed the north stand will bear Dolan's name.

A Reading FC statement said: "The tragic news of Eamonn Dolan’s passing last month sparked an overwhelming and emotional call from our fans to name the north stand after a man who not only helped Reading Football Club achieve unparalleled success during 12 memorable years at Madejski Stadium, but who has left an indelible legacy which will last long into this club’s future."

The Eamonn Dolan Stand will be officially opened before Reading's Championship curtain-raiser against Preston North End on Saturday, August 6.

Dolan was Reading's Academy Director for 12 years, during which 33 youth players went on to represent the first-team, with many more forging successful careers at other clubs.

Lee Heron was Dolan's assistant for all his time with the Royals and he paid an emotional tribute to his hugely respected colleague.

"For me, Eamonn was a dear, dear friend," he said. "Of course he was also our boss at the Academy, but he was much, much more than that.

"He was – and will remain – an inspiration.  I’m ultimately privileged to have spent really close time with him over a number of years, both in and out of work.

"In truth, the work that he did at the club wasn’t really a job – he loved working together as a group of people.

"Day in, day out, we would spend more time there than anywhere else because he loved it.  We had ‘serious fun’ with what we did."

He added: "It’s important to know that Eamonn chose to work for Reading.

"He had offers to leave, but in his own words he would say to me: ‘We are part of something special here kid.’  He wasn’t wrong!

"It is very difficult to put any type of words next to Eamonn, because he was one of a kind.  The messages that I have received since his passing from all over the world is testament to that.

"We loved him when he was here and we continue to love him now that he’s not.”

Dolan's funeral was due to take place at Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham this morning.

Hundreds of mourners were expected to attend including former Reading manager Brian McDermott and players Shane Long and Nicky Shorey.