- Former Hammer Eamonn Dolan has passed away aged 48
- The West Ham forward came through the Club’s Academy as a youngster
- Ex-Academy Director Tony Carr pays tribute to player he coached through ranks
The striker came through the Club’s Academy and went onto make 21 first team appearances between May 1987 and November 1989, scoring four goals for the Hammers.
One of Dolan’s major highlights in Claret and Blue was netting a brace in the side’s 5-0 demolition of Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground back in October 1989.
The Galway-born forward, after spells at Birmingham City and Exeter City, then forged a successful career as a coach, notably at Reading where he headed the club’s academy.
Prior to his time at the Madejski Stadium, Dolan had served as boss of the Grecians after his playing career had ended and enjoyed a successful season as boss at St. James Park.
Dolan passed away at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with cancer and will be missed by everyone connected with the Club.
Former Academy Director Tony Carr knew Eamonn well, having been in charge as he rose through the Hammers’ ranks, and expressed his sadness at the news.
He said: “I’m extremely sad to hear the news of Eamonn’s passing and football has lost a great man.
“He was a good lad, a Chelmsford boy who was a good, honest footballer. He made the absolute most of the talent he had and obviously played for the first team. He was a top all-round lad; there’s no two ways about that.
“Eamonn went into a career of coaching and I bumped into him on several occasions over the years. We were on committees together within the Premier League for various youth development ideas, and everyone valued his thoughts and knowledge in the area.
“We would always reflect on his time as a young player, doing our pre-season and giving everything he had.
“I feel for his family, for his father Vince, who I knew very well at the time of Eamonn’s West Ham days. We will miss his humour; he always made a fun and jovial line out of a story and as I’ve said, football has lost a great man.”
Everyone at the Club would like to express their condolences to Eamonn's family and friends at this difficult time.