Dundee United Legends - Week Seven - Eamonn Bannon This weeks legend was perhaps the final piece in Jim McLeans Dundee United jigsaw. Signed from Chelsea for £165,000 in October 1979, Bannon would go onto become one of the most successful players in Uniteds history, winning 2 League Cups and the Scottish Premier Division Title in his time with the club. Born in Edinburgh in April 1958, Bannon started his career with Hearts and made his debut for the club in season 1976/77. However his impressive skills and trickery were not enough to save the Jambos from relegation but his 13 goals the following season helped fire them to promotion. In 1979, Eamonn was sold to Chelsea for £220,000, £200,000 of which was used to pay off a debt that was threatening the future of Heart of Midlothian FC. Although Bannon started well with Chelsea, things didnt got exactly to plan. The club were relegated in 1979 and a change of manager the following season saw the young Scottish playmaker fall out of favour. In October 79, Dundee United manager Jim McLean paid £165,000 ( a Scottish transfer record at the time) to bring Eamonn Bannon to Tannadice. Scoring on his league debut in a memorable 3-0 win at Pittodrie, Bannon quickly established himself as a regular in the great Dundee United side of the late 70s, early 80s and in December 79 he was part of the team that one the clubs first ever piece of major silverware, starting in the 3-0 League Cup Final Replay demolition of Alex Fergusons Aberdeen at Dens Park. The following season United retained the League Cup with a famous 3-0 win over Dundee, Bannon again in the starting lineup. Eamonn scored 8 goals that season including a memorable double in a 4-1 win at Ibrox in March 1981. The following season saw a memorable European run for United, beating Monaco, Borussia Monchengladbach and Winterslag to reach the UEFA Cup Quarter Finals, Eamonn Bannin scoring in all 3 ties including what is considered to be one of the greatest United goals of all time: a mesmerising solo run from the half way line and a clinical finish in the 5-0 thumping of Germans Monchengladbach. 1982/83 would prove to be the greatest season in the history of the club and Eamonn Bannon played a crucial role in securing the Scottish Premier Division Title, scoring 13 goals including the winning penalty at Dens Park on the final day of the season. Bannon remained a regular in the Dundee United line-up for several years, playing a key role in the clubs successful European runs in 1983/84 and 1986/87 and appearing for United in the 1985, 87 and 88 cup finals. Following an extremely successful career with United, Bannon left United for £225,000 to join his former club, Hearts, where he has been credited with helping nurture the younger players at the club at the time. One of the most exciting players that Arabs have ever had the privilege to watch play in a Tangerine jersey, Bannon had talent, pace and skill in abundance. His record of 108 goals in 440 games from left midfield speaks for itself, a true Tannadice Legend!
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 15:38:12 +0000
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