First Team
EVERY WORD | JACK WALTON LOOKS AHEAD TO IBROX TEST
21st November 2024
As we continue our United for 100 Years celebrations, we’re asking supporters to vote for their ultimate UTD100 starting XI - Eamonn Bannon claims the first spot in our midfield!
VOTE FOR THE HEROES YOU'D LIKE TO SEE US INCLUDE ON OUR X FEED!
Bannon began his career with hometown club Heart of Midlothian, debuting at 18 in 1976. Although he excelled in the capital, financial troubles led to his £220,000 transfer to Chelsea in 1979.
At Stamford Bridge, he initially hit the ground running but endured relegation and a change of management. In October 1979, United manager Jim McLean secured Bannon's signature for a Scottish record £165,000.
He quickly integrated into the United side, winning the club's first major silverware in December 1979 with a 3-0 League Cup Final Replay victory over Aberdeen. Soon after, the midfielder earned his first Scotland cap against Belgium, having been an Under-21 international.
The following campaign, Bannon played a pivotal role in United's retention of the League Cup, subsequently remaining influential as United secured the Scottish Premier Division trophy in 1982/83 - with his penalty rebound conversion clinching the title at Dens Park on the final day of the season.
On the European stage, the Scot would net memorable goals against some of Europe's elite, including a phenomenal solo effort against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
His last match for the Terrors was the 1988 Scottish Cup Final, before he returned to Hearts and had brief spells with Hibernian and Stenhousemuir, winning the 1995 Challenge Cup with the latter. Bannon was inducted into our Hall of Fame in January 2009.
