“The Eamonn Dolan Stand will be our way of remembering a great man.”
Those were the words of Reading co-owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth after the club confirmed Madejski Stadium’s north stand will be renamed after Dolan next month.
The club appealed to supporters earlier this summer for suggestions for who or what the stand should be named after.
But following academy manager Dolan’s tragic death, the Royals have taken the step to honour his fine work by ensuring his name has a constant place at the club.
The Eamonn Dolan Stand will officially open on August 6 before the first game of the Championship season against Preston North End.
Dolan spent 12 years at Reading, helping to bring hundreds of young players through a thriving academy including the likes of Shane Long, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jem Karacan.
Following his passing aged just 48 following a battle with cancer, Reading owner Thanakarnjanasuth (Tiger) felt this would be a fitting tribute to the outstanding work Dolan did during his time in Berkshire.
“Every time I travelled to Reading, I made sure I met and spoke with Eamonn,” said Tiger.
“Both before his diagnosis and during his treatment.
“I always looked forward to hearing him speak so positively, so enthusiastically about Reading Football Club and its bright, bright, future.
“Personally reading our fans’ messages of love for Eamonn and sincere appreciation for all the work he did during his time in charge of our academy, it was clear there was only one fitting option for the North Stand’s new name.
“The Eamonn Dolan Stand will be our way of remembering a great man.”
Eamonn Dolan’s funeral took place this morning in Wokingham.
