Dolan played as a striker, beginning his professional career with
West Ham United. He made his debut on 9 May 1987 in a 2–0 home win against
Manchester City coming on as a substitute for
Mark Ward. It was his only appearance of the 1986–87 season. In the 1987–88 season, Dolan made only four appearances, three as a substitute. He continued to play regularly until the end of November 1989 when he signed for
Birmingham City His testimonial was in September 1994 in a game between Exeter and West Ham. He survived the condition, and continued to serve the "Grecians" as football in the community officer, youth coach, caretaker manager, and finally full-time manager, taking over after the club's relegation from
the Football League in
2003. His first season in charge was fairly successful, steadying the ship after a difficult year, and almost qualifying for the playoffs, but he left the club in September 2004 to join
Reading as academy manager.
International career Dolan and his twin brother
Pat Dolan were capped at Under-21 and youth level for
Republic of Ireland national football team. He scored 10 goals in his first seven youth internationals. They both played at the
1985 FIFA World Youth Championship. Both had made their Irish international début at
Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team level against Northern Ireland in the first ever fixture between the two nations at
Seaview in a 6–1 friendly win in January 1985. Dolan scored a hat trick. ==Death==