Dolan had surgery in August of last year to remove a bladder tumor, and then he had chemotherapy.
His playing career was ended in 1993 by the discovery that he had testicular cancer. He had stints with West Ham, Birmingham, and Exeter.
In 2013, he was named Reading’s caretaker manager for a single game after Brian McDermott was fired.
During his more than ten years with the Royals, the Irishman developed hundreds of players through the academy, including Steve Sidwell, Shane Long, and Jem Karacan.
During his more than ten years with the Royals, the Irishman developed hundreds of players through the academy, including Steve Sidwell, Shane Long, and Jem Karacan.
From 2002 until 2004, he was Exeter City’s manager.
Reading chairman and former owner Sir John Madejski called Dolan “the most amazing gentleman you could wish to meet” in a statement posted on the team’s website.
He went on: “He was exemplary, dependable, and incredibly passionate about me and Reading Football Club.
“I am aware that the events have left us all feeling depressed. However, not many people are able to die and leave behind such a wonderful legacy.”
Several former and current Reading players, including former Royals goalkeeper Adam Federici, have also shared their condolences on Twitter, writing, “Devastated over the news of Eamonn passing, was such an amazing person and helped so many of us over the years.” My prayers and thoughts are with his friends and family. Such depressing information.”
