Reading academy manager Eamonn Dolan has died aged 48 after a battle with cancer, the club have confirmed.
Dolan, who spent 12 years with the Royals, underwent chemotherapy last year following an operation to remove a tumour from his bladder.
The Irishman's playing career, which included spells with West Ham United and Birmingham City, was cut short in 1993 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Dolan brought hundreds of players through the Reading academy during more than a decade with the club, including Steve Sidwell, Shane Long and Jem Karacan.
A statement on the Royals website read: "It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that Reading Football Club regretfully inform its supporters of the passing of Eamonn Dolan, who we tragically lost yesterday evening following a courageous battle against cancer at the age of 48.
"Our sincere condolences go out to his family and many, many friends. Eamonn was, and will forever remain, one of our own."
Dolan was appointed Reading caretaker manager for one match following the dismissal of Brian McDermott in 2013.
Giuseppe Labellarte
