Reading FC's North Stand To Be Renamed After Eamonn Dolan

At the beginning of last month, Reading FC announced that the North Stand of the Madejski Stadium would be renamed. To find a name, they opened the process up to suggestions from the club's fanbase.

However, following the sad news at the end of June that former Academy coach Eamonn Dolan has passed away, there was an overwhelming number of calls for the North Stand to be named in his honour.

And, in a move that will be welcomed by many, that decision was officially ratified today. The Eamonn Dolan Stand will be unveiled on the first day of next season, with the visit of Preston North End to the Madejski Stadium.

Speaking about Eamonn Dolan, shareholder Sumrit 'Tiger' Thanakarnjanasuth said...

“Every time I travelled to Reading, I made sure I met and spoke with Eamonn – both before his diagnosis and during his treatment - and I always looked forward to hearing him speak so positively, so enthusiastically about Reading Football Club and its bright, bright future."

Sir John Madejski echoed his sentiments...

"He was just the most amazing gentleman that you could wish to meet.

"Loyal, upstanding, and his enthusiasm and devotion to me and Reading FC was overwhelming."

Long serving BBC Berkshire commentator Tim Dellor said that...

"Eamonn was a superb coach and the most loyal of servants to Reading FC and - above all - a thoroughly good bloke, so this move by the club is entirely fitting."

"His contribution to Reading's most successful period was huge."

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This renaming of the North Stand will ensure that a man who has contributed an incredible amount to Reading Football Club will never be forgotten. Eamonn Dolan was a passionate, hard-working professional whose support for and promotion of youth football exemplified the ethos of this club.