Dolan named new Academy Manager

Dolan had been the manager of conference side Exeter City since the summer of 2003, who currently lie in 9th place, 7 points behind leaders Barnet.

The former West Ham and Birmingham City player will link up with fellow academy coaches Nick Hammond, Nas Bashir and Geoff Warner with immediate effect.

Speaking on the new appointment, Director of Football Nick Hammond said;

"I'm highly delighted that Eamonn has agreed to join us. He has an extremely good reputation within the game and I think he will bring so much to our academy. Eamonn has great integrity and is an excellent coach. He has also got good leadership skills, and he is bright and ambitious. I feel he will perfectly complement the staff we currently have, especially our coaches Nas Bashir and Geoff Warner."

Dolan also spoke as well and added;

"I was really happy at Exeter and had previously turned down several other offers. When I was asked to speak to Reading, I agreed to do so out of courtesy and never thought that anything would come of it. But the way Nick Hammond sold Reading to me gave me an instinct that I had to come. I couldn't resist the challenge of being a part of that, and having a positive role to play in what will hopefully be a very exciting time."

With the club's move to the new training ground only weeks away, the appointment will only give the academy more confidence. Both the Under 18's and Under 16's sides have made fantastic start's to the season, following in the foot steps of the first team who proudly sit top of the league in the Coca Cola Championship.

It has been well publicised by Royals Chairman John Madejski for the need of the club producing it's own talented players. This seems only 1 or 2 years away which is encouraging.

Last season saw the emergence of Jamie Ashdown as a goalie, and his fine performances towards the end of the season earned him a summer move to Premiership side Portsmouth.

Sympathy goes to Geoff Warner who had taken temporary charge and did a very good job in such a short space of time.

1871Royals would like to welcome Eamonn to Reading Football Club!