He went on to be a real favourite with the fans scoring a further 51 times in 173 league outings.
However after helping the club win promotion in 1999 he left Glanford Park in controversial fashion deciding not to stay with United for their campaign in the Second Division and instead join his home club, and the Iron's local rivals, Hull City.
After failing to make an impact with the Tigers he returned to Oldham, where he has spent the last two years.
Oldham are fighting for their survival, and need to drastically reduce their wage bill - with a number of players already sold and more expected.
Manager Iain Dowie has blasted the club's administrators for selling their top players, but in a tricky situation the club faces losing all their players for free if they cannot pay wages.
Eyre hasn't travelled with current club Oldham to Ireland this week and it seems his future lies away from the cash-strapped Latics.
He still lives in the area, and although he was expecting a new contract offer to stay at Boundary Park is likely to consider a return if a two-year deal is offered.
When he left Glanford Park it was on good terms with the backroom staff.
Speaking to the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph earlier today Laws confirmed: "John Eyre is one player who I have in mind".
A deal is not likley to materialise until after the club return from their Irish training camp this week.
Laws also dismissed speculation that he was interested in Shrewsbury's veteran midfielder Nigel Jemson, who played alongside Laws at Nottm Forest.