HUNDREDS of mourners have been paying their respects to late Reading FC Academy chief, Eamonn Dolan.

Former Royals bosses Brian McDermott, Steve Clarke and Nigel Adkins as well as ex-director of football, Nick Hammond, were among those present for Dolan's funeral at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Wokingham this morning.

The majority of the current Reading squad also paid their respects, as did the likes of ex-players Shane Long, James Harper, Alex Pearce, Mikele Leigertwood, Nicky Shorey, Jem Karacan, Alex McCarthy plus members of Kevin Doyle's family.

Dolan lost his battle with cancer two weeks ago. He was 48.

A large number of Royals supporters gathered outside the church in Sturgess Road to say farewell to the hugely respected Academy director, who was always proud of his Irish roots.

Ex-Reading and Republic of Ireland defender, Alex Pearce, made a speech on behalf of all the players who developed under Dolan at the Royals' Academy.

Reading co-chairman Sir John Madejski and chief executive, Nigel Howe, also spoke about Dolan's life, Howe insisting "he will never be forgotten."

Former Royals director of football Nick Hammond played a key role in luring Dolan from Exeter City where he was manager to head up the club's Academy in 2004.

"The best signing we ever made," is how Hammond described Dolan's massive impact at Madejski Stadium.

There were brave and heartwarming tributes from Dolan's wife, Erica, one of his two children, Grace, and many of his oldest friends from his playing days at West Ham.

Steve Perryman spoke fondly of the memories he and Dolan shared at Exeter City, while Lee Heron, who worked alongside him for 12 years with Reading's Academy, also made a speech.

Finally, there was a poignant tribute from Dolan's twin brother, Pat, a former player/manager and now a football agent.

Fittingly, Reading also revealed this morning they will re-name the Madejski Stadium north stand 'The Eamonn Dolan Stand' in his honour.

He turned down a number of opportunities to manage league clubs to remain loyal to Reading FC.