LEE Herron has been appointed Academy Manager at Reading FC.

Herron was understudy to the late Eamonn Dolan for many years before he lost his battle with cancer in June.

Now Herron, who has worked with the Royals for the past 15 years, has been tasked with continuing Dolan's legacy and producing the next generation of homegrown players.

Herron said: “Reading is a club I hold very close to my heart.

“The Academy has punched well above its weight in the difficult world of youth development, competing with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, if not the world – something which we are all very proud of.

“With the support of the football club, the staff and I will keep working exceptionally hard to continue that trend.”

He added: “Personally, I feel privileged to have worked alongside a great man in Eamonn for such a long time.

“That feeling and those experiences will never leave me. It is very rare in life that you get the opportunity to work alongside so many great people in a work place you love, every single day. Thankfully I have that here at Reading Football Club.”

Herron worked closely with Dolan at every Academy age group, having initially joined Reading's Community Trust team.

Herron, who was born in Reading, also spent a period with the club's Football in the Community department.

More recently he worked alongside Martin Kuhl as the Academy Under 21s sealed promotion to the top flight and played a key role in helping the club retain its Category One Academy status.

Royals chief executive Nigel Howe said: “I am delighted that Lee has accepted the role of Academy Manager, a position of real importance within the structure of this club.

“His total devotion to our Category One Academy over a long period of time has not once wavered and he has played a pivotal role in making our youth system the admiration of so many others and the undoubted success it is today.
“In every meeting I’ve attended with the Premier League, I hear Lee complimented on his positive approach and dedicated involvement in the Elite Player Performance Plan process - and his hard work played a fundamental part in the renewal of our Category One status earlier this summer.

“I am certain that with Lee in charge, the reputation of our Academy will continue to go from strength to strength.”