NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.35: Mark Lawrenson
Years: 1981-1988
Appearances: 356
Goals: 18
Trophies: League Cup (1982, 1983, 1984), First Division (1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88), European Cup (1984), FA Cup (1986)
Liverpool parted with almost £1 million to sign Mark Lawrenson in 1981, four years after missing out on him for much less – but absolutely got their money’s worth.
A classy operator who could play anywhere in defence, the recruit from Brighton & Hove Albion initially slotted in at left-back for the Reds and also featured in midfield during his first season at Anfield.
Long term, though, it was at the centre of defence where Lawrenson shone – typically next to Alan Hansen – with his pace, reading of the game and precise interceptions making for a high-class package.
He played in 121 of the 126 league matches as Liverpool won the championship three campaigns in a row after his arrival: 1981-82, 1982-83 and 1983-84.
Each of those seasons also included victory in the League Cup for the Reds, while a European Cup triumph capped off the latter as Joe Fagan’s men completed a treble by beating AS Roma on penalties in their own Stadio Olimpico home.
Lawrenson appeared in 66 of the 67 fixtures across all competitions that term.
“He is steely and hardy. But he times a tackle so precisely that very often there is little or no physical contact between him and the opponent in his sights,” Bob Paisley, the manager who signed him, later said.
“They are painless, clinical challenges. The ball is nicked off the toe of the attacker as clean as a whistle, almost without him realising it. Indeed, sometimes you see them run on for a stride or two as if they’ve still got it.”
He continued to be a key figure with 58 appearances as Kenny Dalglish took charge and led the Reds to a brilliant Double in 1985-86, with ‘Lawro’ earning his fourth league title and first FA Cup.
The Republic of Ireland international was not yet 30 at that point, but a ruptured Achilles suffered in March 1987 proved to be the beginning of a premature end to his career at the top.
Having returned to play 19 matches during the first half of 1987-88, Lawrenson admitted his body was failing him and suddenly called time on a great Liverpool spell.
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