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Squads Named For Eamonn Dolan Charity Match

The game is being held this Sunday in memory of the former Reading academy manager.

Manchester United v Reading - Premier League Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Last month it was revealed that Exeter City FC would host a charity match in memory of Eamonn Dolan, who sadly passed away at the age of 48 earlier this year.

The game will be played at St. James' Park this Sunday (23rd October), with kick-off at 1pm. Two teams of players that Dolan either played with or managed will face off, with all proceeds from the game going towards Action Bladder Cancer UK and the Exeter City Academy.

The match will be refereed by Grecians supporter Mike Mullarkey who has officiated at two World Cups and ran the line at the 2010 final in South Africa between Spain and Holland.

The full list of players has since been revealed for the game. 13 players who were part of Exeter's 2003-04 team when Dolan was in charge will feature - they are: Glenn Cronin, Scott Hiley, Steve Flack, Barry McConnell, Sean Devine, Chris Todd, James Bittner, Martin Rice, Stuart Fraser, Andy Taylor, Les Afful, Geoff Breslan and Gareth Sheldon.

Meanwhile, the following 8 players all played alongside Eamonn in Devon and will feature on Sunday: John Hodge, Danny Bailey, Jon Brown, Dave Cooper, Gary Rice, Andy Cook, Toby Redwood and Andy Harris. Older Reading fans may remember Bailey, who played for Reading between 1990 and 1992.

The squads are completed firstly by two players from Exeter's recent history - Alan Gow (2012-14) and Richard Logan (2007-12) - as well as three former West Ham United teammates of Dolan's: Steve Potts, Geoff Pike and Chis Ampofo. Dolan of course played at Upton Park between 1985 and 1990.

So that is 26 players in total, but in my opinion it is a small shame not to see any players who Dolan brought through the Reading academy feature on Sunday. Granted, most would be unavailible due to their footballing commitments, but it would perhaps have been nice to see Jem Karacan or non-leaguers Julian Kelly, Scott Davies and Nicholas Bignall. Jake Taylor, Pierce Sweeney and Jack Stacey all currently play their football at Exeter so could have made 10 minute cameos.

Nonetheless it should be an excellent yet emotional event on Sunday in memory of a great man. Admission to the game is by donation, with the suggestion £10 for adults and £5 concessions.