Eamonn was with the Grecians for 13 years as a player, community officer, youth coach and manager
ALL AT Exeter City were saddened to hear that former Grecians player and manager Eamonn Dolan has passed away aged 48. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.Eamonn was diagnosed with cancer last August, having previously overcome the illness at just 23. His playing career with City was cut short due to the illness, but he remained at the club; taking on community, youth coach and caretaker manager roles, before becoming the Grecians’ full-time manager when the club were in a desperate state.
Highly-regarded by City staff and fans alike, Eamonn played an instrumental role in the resurgence of the football club. He was key to the development of Football in the Community and the club’s youth system, and became full-time manager after relegation to the Conference in 2003. He inherited a club in crisis, having to work with the smallest squad in City’s history whilst the trust was battling to save the clubs existence. Eamonn overcame every obstacle that was placed in his way.
In September 2004 he left to join Reading as an academy manager where he was respected and admired by staff, managers, coaches and players during a stay that lasted over a decade.
Speaking about Eamonn, Exeter City Chairman Julian Tagg said:
“Eamonn was a remarkable man in so many ways; he was a great footballer, a fantastic coach, a brilliant leader and a family man. All of his qualities left a stamp on Exeter City. He laid the foundations of not only Football in the Community, but also the academy and being the first manager of our trust-owned club. We owe him so much for what he did and that should never be forgotten. Right now the most important thing is that our thoughts are with his wife Erica, and their children.”
Thank you Eamonn for all that you did for Exeter City FC.