CRAIG Tanner heaped praise on Reading FC legend Eamonn Dolan after securing a permanent switch to Motherwell FC.

The fleet-footed midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle, was dealt the devastating news that he had not earned a new deal with the Royals earlier this year.

But Tanner, who enjoyed plenty of first-team football with Argyle, admitted he had little interest in returning to Royals’ Under 23 set-up.

And he wasted no time in finding a new club once his loan deal expired.

The 22-year-old had plenty of offers on the table, but he put pen to paper at Fir Park on a two-year deal “I found out around February or March time that my contract wasn’t going to be renewed,” Tanner told the Reading Chronicle.

“Obviously it’s disappointing to hear from a club which has always been in my heart, and a club I have spent 14 years with through the ups and downs, but these things happen in football, and looking at it now it is probably for the best.

“After spending two-and-a-half years out on loan in men’s football playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday you get that bug.

“I feel I would find it tough to then go back and maybe not be seen as a first team player and possibly have to get my game time in the Under 23s.”

Tanner was one of several players to learn his trade under former Academy boss Dolan, who tragically passed away last year.

And the 22-year-old admitted he will cherish Dolan’s teachings for life.

He continued: “I don’t think you can put into words what Eamonn has done for not only me, but every single player who has spent time at Reading let alone the club as a whole.

“He was a footballing genius, a brilliant man-manager, and someone who got the best out of me, he challenge me both on and off the pitch and would regularly have hour long chats of how I need to develop.

“He would say ‘why aren’t you doing this, try adding this to your game’.

“His favourite one would be to tap me on the shoulder and walk the other side of me making me do a complete 360 degree turn and say ‘wouldn’t need to do that if you are checking your shoulders’, then walk off somewhere else.”

Reading Chronicle:

The late Eamonn Dolan developed a host of young players in the Reading Academy including Craig Tanner.

The Camberley-born forward made his debut for Reading under former Royals’ boss Steve Clarke. He scored his first goal for the club in a League Cup victory over Newport.

But he soon fell out of favour at Madejski Stadium and was loaned to AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth respectively.

“If I was to pick one memory from my time at Reading it would be scoring on my debut against Newport,” concluded Tanner.

“When I saw my mum, dad, and brother after the game we all just hugged each other and shed a little tear.

“That’s something which always puts a smile on my face when I think of it.

“I’m going from one end of the country to the other, but hey that’s football and I’m excited to get going, to play some new teams, meet new people, and it’s a chance to add another string to my bow.

“I had a really positive couple of conversations with Motherwell and it has filled me with a whole new buzz and excitement.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved at Reading throughout my career, and I’m sure our paths will cross again one day.”