READING HAVE INVITED the young son of Eamonn Dolan to lead the team out at Wembley for next Monday’s Championship play-off final in honour of his late father.
Dolan, the former Irish underage international and twin-brother of well-known domestic football figure Pat, passed away last June after battling with cancer.
The 48-year-old held the role of Reading academy manager since 2004 and had overseen the development of several players, including Shane Long and Steve Sidwell. Dolan also took temporary charge of Reading’s first team following the sacking of Brian McDermott in 2013.
His impact at the club was underlined at the time of his passing as the Royals paid tribute to ‘an undisputed club hero’ by renaming a stand at the Madejski Stadium in his honour.
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Dolan’s 10-year-old son, Seamus, was mascot in the first home game of this season and he will once again lead the team out for Monday’s clash with Huddersfield Town.
In a statement released today, Reading say Dolan’s legacy will live on at the club and it will be a ‘poignant’ end to a season which will end just as it began — with Seamus representing the Royals.
Dolan took temporary charge of Reading in 2013. PA Archive / PA Images
PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images
“As soon as we, as a club, became aware that we were able to choose our official matchday mascot for Monday’s massive game, there was only ever going to be one choice,” it read.
“We immediately invited Seamus to be our mascot for the end of season finale and we are absolutely delighted to confirm he has agreed to play a part in the day and will be joined by his sister Grace and mum Erica.
“As the eyes of the world watch Reading compete for a place in the Premier League, Seamus will stand in front of 90,000, honouring his dad and all he did for us at Reading Football Club. We couldn’t be more proud.
“As the plaque affixed to the Eamonn Dolan Stand fittingly reads…‘Coach, Manager, Believer. A true Royal. One of our own, his legacy lives on forever…’
Eamonn Dolan's 10-year-old son to lead Reading out at Wembley for play-off final
READING HAVE INVITED the young son of Eamonn Dolan to lead the team out at Wembley for next Monday’s Championship play-off final in honour of his late father.
Dolan, the former Irish underage international and twin-brother of well-known domestic football figure Pat, passed away last June after battling with cancer.
The 48-year-old held the role of Reading academy manager since 2004 and had overseen the development of several players, including Shane Long and Steve Sidwell. Dolan also took temporary charge of Reading’s first team following the sacking of Brian McDermott in 2013.
His impact at the club was underlined at the time of his passing as the Royals paid tribute to ‘an undisputed club hero’ by renaming a stand at the Madejski Stadium in his honour.
Dolan’s 10-year-old son, Seamus, was mascot in the first home game of this season and he will once again lead the team out for Monday’s clash with Huddersfield Town.
In a statement released today, Reading say Dolan’s legacy will live on at the club and it will be a ‘poignant’ end to a season which will end just as it began — with Seamus representing the Royals.
“As soon as we, as a club, became aware that we were able to choose our official matchday mascot for Monday’s massive game, there was only ever going to be one choice,” it read.
“We immediately invited Seamus to be our mascot for the end of season finale and we are absolutely delighted to confirm he has agreed to play a part in the day and will be joined by his sister Grace and mum Erica.
“As the plaque affixed to the Eamonn Dolan Stand fittingly reads…‘Coach, Manager, Believer. A true Royal. One of our own, his legacy lives on forever…’
“Thank you Seamus! We hope you enjoy the day.”
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