As Catholic United looks ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, the club welcomes a new era under Eamonn Kearney, who steps up as First Team Manager following the departure of Simon Thomas at the end of the 2024/25 season. Eamonn, who has spent the past four seasons at the helm of the Reserves, brings with him a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and a strong connection to the club’s player pathway. We caught up with Eamonn to discuss his journey so far, the transition to First Team management, and his ambitions for the year ahead.

Zander began by asking:
Q: Congratulations on your new role, Eamonn! How does it feel to take over as First Team Manager?
Eamonn: It feels like a great opportunity to build a squad capable of challenging for titles. I’m really pleased to be given the chance to lead the club into the next season.

Zander then asked:
Q: You’ve spent time managing the Reserves—how has that experience prepared you for leading the First Team?
Eamonn: It’s been about developing players who are ready to make the step up to first team football. The success of the reserves over the years shows how important it is to create a winning environment.

I’ve worked with a lot of these players through school and club football; we understand each other’s approach and know how to get the best out of the group—both individually and as a team.

Zander followed up:
Q: What have been some of your proudest moments during your time with the club so far?
Eamonn: When I first got involved in management, the aim was to bring the reserves closer to the first team—and I think we’ve done that. Since taking over in 2021, after just being promoted from Division 4, we’ve earned promotion in two of the first three seasons and finished third in Division 1 last season.

In all four seasons, the team reached a cup final, winning three of them. The Essex Junior Cup win in 2021–22 stands out as a massive night for the club. I’m also proud of the players who’ve gone on to make the step up and how we’ve continued to move things in the right direction. We reached the reserve league cup final three years running and won it back-to-back the last two seasons.

Zander continued:
Q: You’re stepping into a role previously held by Simon Thomas. What’s it been like taking over from someone with such a big impact on the team?
Eamonn: We’ve not really got going yet football-wise, so it’s been quite a quiet start. I’ve been in touch with players from both the first team and reserves to get a feel for their plans. There’s no need to rush into big changes; the majority of both squads look set to stay, which is a credit to the work Simon’s done. After a long season with the reserves, it’s important everyone gets a break—but once pre-season kicks off, we’ll be ready to work and prepare physically, technically, and tactically.

Zander asked next:
Q: How would you describe your management style, both on and off the pitch?
Eamonn: Coming from an education background, I’ve definitely carried over some of those skills—communication, understanding how to get the best out of individuals, and creating the right environment. Last season’s Reserve dressing room was probably the best I’ve been part of—a great mix of experience that just worked well. I think that can be replicated. On the pitch, we’ll work hard to control games, create chances, and be hard to beat when we don’t have the ball.

Zander moved on to the squad:
Q: Will we see changes in the squad, or are you planning to build on the current core of players?
Eamonn: I’ve got an early idea of how the squad might look. The plan is to keep the core from last season’s first team, while definitely bringing through some players who’ve proved themselves ready to consistently play at Premier Division level.

We’ll look at adding to the squad—but only with the right kind of characters. Players who buy into what the club is about and can help push us forward.

Zander asked:
Q: Are there any players from the Reserves you’re looking to integrate into the First Team setup?
Eamonn: Absolutely. There are players who’ve stepped up and shown they’re ready. We’ll give them the chance to prove themselves at that level, and I think that’s one of the strengths of having that link between the two teams.

Zander followed up:
Q: How important is it for you to maintain a strong connection between the First Team and Reserves?
Eamonn: Coming from a reserve team background for the past six seasons, I really understand the value of that connection. It brings the club closer together and creates a clear pathway for players to develop and step up. I’ll continue working with the reserve setup, making sure they are in a position to be the best reserve team in the Olympian League.

Zander then asked:
Q: What are your short-term goals for the team?
Eamonn: It’s about being realistic but ambitious. The players will need time to adapt, but I believe we’ll make progress and put together a squad that people feel connected to—and one that’s competing for league and cup honours.

Zander concluded:
Q: What does success look like for Catholic United next season?
Eamonn: It’s easy to say success is about building a squad identity, but I know it ultimately comes down to results. Our goal is to be in the mix in every competition we’re in—and hopefully finish the season with some silverware to show for it.

Zander signed off with one final question:
Q: Do you have a message for the supporters as we head into this new chapter?
Eamonn: This club has a brilliant following—locally and from further afield. We’ll be working to build a squad that represents the club’s values and pushes for success on the pitch.

From all of us from Catholic and beyond, congratulations to Eamonn and we are all rooting for you this upcoming season... bring some trophies home for the Bhoys!