Known for his strong leadership qualities and unwavering passion for the round ball game, Eoin Hand´s contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport in the Republic of Ireland and beyond.
Eoin Hand, born on March 30, 1946, began his football journey in Dublin, Ireland, where he played schoolboy football with Stella Maris, one of the most reputable youth football clubs in the country. It was here that Hand’s talents first started to show, particularly his ability to read the game and command the defense. His skills soon caught the attention of scouts, and at the tender age of 17, Hand was signed by Swindon Town, a move that was meant to launch his career in English football. However, this early transfer did not pan out as expected. Finding it difficult to adapt to the demands of English football at such a young age, Hand returned to Ireland within a short time. Despite the setback, this was not the end of his aspirations. Instead, it marked the beginning of a more illustrious phase in his career, one that would see him make a significant impact in the Irish domestic league.
After short stints with Dundalk F.C. and Shelbourne F.C., Hand found his rhythm and success with Drumcondra F.C.. It was during his time with Drumcondra that Hand’s performances reached a new level, particularly in the role of a commanding centre-half. In particular, his positioning, aerial ability, and leadership qualities made him a standout figure in the League of Ireland. Hand’s form at Drumcondra did not go unnoticed, and in October 1968, he was signed by Portsmouth F.C. for a fee of £8,000. This transfer was a defining moment in his career, as it gave Hand the platform to establish himself in English football on more favorable terms. Portsmouth, then a club battling in the lower tiers of the English football league system, found in Hand a reliable and skilled defender. His ability to marshal the defense became one of his key attributes, and he quickly became a fan favorite at the club.
Moreover, his performances at Portsmouth were soon recognized at the international level. Hand earned his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland national football team, making his debut during a time when Irish football was beginning to rise in prominence. Over the course of his international career, he went on to win 19 caps, a notable achievement for any Irish footballer of that era. His international experiences helped him develop not just as a player but also as a leader, qualities that would later serve him well in management. In total, Hand played 277 league matches for Portsmouth, a remarkable tally that underscored his longevity and consistency as a player. However, after the 1975-76 season, he was released from the club, marking the end of an era. Though his time at Portsmouth was over, Hand was far from finished in football. His next move would take him halfway across the world and back.
After leaving Portsmouth, Hand briefly ventured into football in South Africa, where he played for a local club. This experience, though short-lived, added another layer to his varied career. The footballing landscape in South Africa was vastly different, and the league was still in its early stages of development. However, Hand’s time there was limited, and he soon returned to Ireland, where another chapter awaited him. In 1977, Hand was persuaded to join Shamrock Rovers, one of Ireland’s most storied clubs. His debut for the club came on October 9, 1977, at Glenmalure Park, where he was warmly welcomed by the Rovers faithful. However, after only nine games, the lure of England called once more, and Hand returned to Portsmouth F.C. for a second spell. His second stint, like the first, saw him continue to be a consistent presence in the defense, but by 1979, Hand decided it was time to move on and explore a new phase in his career.
In 1979, Hand took a significant step by becoming the player-manager of Limerick United. It was a bold move, but one that paid off almost immediately. In his very first season in charge, Hand led Limerick to the 1979-80 League of Ireland title. This triumph marked a turning point for Limerick United, a club that had often struggled to assert itself in the league. Hand’s leadership and tactical acumen were pivotal in their success. Notably, this league win secured Limerick a place in the European Cup, where they were drawn against the mighty Real Madrid—a dream fixture for any Irish club. As a result of his impressive managerial debut, Hand was honored as the 1980 Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Personality of the Year, a prestigious accolade that further enhanced his reputation in Irish football.
Hand’s success at Limerick did not go unnoticed at the national level either. In 1980, he was appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland national football team, taking over from Johnny Giles. This appointment marked a new challenge for Hand, one that would define his career in football management. Hand’s first major task as the manager of Ireland came in the form of the 1982 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Republic of Ireland were drawn in a tough group, but under Hand’s guidance, they came agonizingly close to qualifying. In particular, a critical match against France saw Ireland narrowly lose out on qualification, finishing just behind the French on goal difference. The heartbreak was compounded by a controversial decision in a match against Belgium, where a disallowed goal, which many pundits argued was perfectly legitimate, ultimately cost Ireland a place in the World Cup.
The image of Hand with his head in his hands on the sidelines became an iconic image in Irish football—a symbol of the narrow margins between success and failure. Nevertheless, Hand’s tactical approach and ability to get the best out of his players during this period won him widespread admiration. Unfortunately, subsequent campaigns were less fruitful. Ireland finished third in their qualification group for Euro 1984, and despite Hand’s best efforts, they again fell short in qualifying for the 1986 World Cup. After this disappointment, Hand was replaced as Ireland manager by Jack Charlton, who would go on to lead Ireland to unprecedented international success in later years. Nevertheless, Hand’s role in laying the groundwork for future success should not be underestimated.
After his departure from the Irish national team, Hand briefly combined international management with club duties, taking over as manager of St. Patrick’s Athletic in the League of Ireland. However, he stayed only one season, as the challenges of balancing both roles became overwhelming. After leaving St. Patrick’s, Hand took some time away from management before returning to club football in 1988 when he was appointed manager of Huddersfield Town in England. His time at Huddersfield was marked by ups and downs. While he was able to stabilize the club initially, his tenure ended in 1992 after the club failed to secure promotion. Despite the challenges, Hand’s knowledge of the game and his leadership skills remained highly regarded.
In the years that followed, Hand had brief spells managing Shelbourne F.C. during the 1993-94 season and worked in various other roles within football. Notably, he became involved with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in 1999, serving as a career guidance officer for over a decade. In this role, Hand helped mentor young players and ensured they received the support they needed to succeed both on and off the pitch. Eoin Hand’s career, both as a player and a manager, is a testament to his enduring passion for football. From his early days in Dublin to his managerial roles in Ireland and England, Hand has been a central figure in the development of Irish football. Although his tenure as Ireland manager was marked by near-misses, his influence on the national team and his contributions to the game cannot be overstated.