Steven Lawless

For the Irish cyclist, see Steve Lawless.

Steven Lawless
Lawless in 2023
Personal information
Full name Steven Lawless[1]
Date of birth (1991-04-12) 12 April 1991 (age 33)
Place of birth Glasgow, Scotland
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Partick Thistle
Number 11
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2012 Motherwell 0 (0)
2010 → Annan Athletic (loan) 0 (0)
2010–2011 → Albion Rovers (loan) 25 (3)
2011–2012 → Albion Rovers (loan) 10 (3)
2012–2018 Partick Thistle 190 (28)
2018–2020 Livingston 65 (11)
2020–2021 Burton Albion 16 (0)
2021 Motherwell 9 (0)
2021–2022 Dunfermline Athletic 18 (3)
2022– Partick Thistle 66 (11)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:49, 6 April 2024 (UTC)

Steven Lawless (born 12 April 1991) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left-sided winger for Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle.

Lawless, who is a product of Motherwell's youth system, started his professional career at Fir Park. However, he failed to break into the club's first team, and was eventually loaned to Annan Athletic and later Albion Rovers. Following an extended loan period at Rovers, Lawless joined Partick Thistle in 2012, where he played a significant part in helping Thistle to achieve promotion to the Scottish Premiership in 2013. In 2018, he signed for Livingston, where he spent two seasons before joining English club Burton Albion. He returned to Motherwell in January 2021.

Career

[edit]

Motherwell

[edit]

A product of the Fir Park youth system, Lawless was given a two-year professional contract in summer 2010, after helping Motherwell under-19's finish second in the 2009–10 Scottish Premier under-19 League, with Motherwell scoring the highest number of goals that season.[2]

Lawless was loaned to Annan Athletic for a month at the beginning of the 2010–11 season, only managing to appear twice in cup competitions.[3] He was then loaned to Albion Rovers towards the end of the transfer window, along with Steven Meechan and Peter Innes.[4] Initially the loan was to last six months, but was extended to a full season after Lawless had impressed.[5] He scored his first goal, in a 2–2 draw against former club Annan Athletic on 19 February 2011. Between 16 April 2011 and 23 April 2011, Lawless scored back-to-back goals against East Stirlingshire[6] and Queen's Park.[7] Later in the season, he helped the Cliftonhill side to promotion to the Second Division, beating former club Annan Athletic in the play-off final.[8]

Lawless then returned to Fir Park and featured in a host of pre-season friendlies. He made his competitive first-team debut for Motherwell against Clyde in the League Cup, scoring the final goal in a 4–0 win.[9]

On 18 October 2011, Lawless returned to Albion Rovers on an initial 28-day emergency loan, scoring on his second debut for the club in a 2–1 loss to Dumbarton.[10][11] He then scored a brace, in a 3–3 draw against Cowdenbeath on 3 December 2011.[12] The loan was later extended until 5 January.[13]

On 11 May 2012, it was confirmed that Lawless would be released at the end of his contract, having not played regularly during the 2011–12 season.[14] After leaving Motherwell for Partick Thistle, Lawless revealed he was disappointed to have never been given a chance in the first team at Motherwell.[15]

Partick Thistle

[edit]

Three days later on 15 May 2012, Lawless was signed by Jackie McNamara to play for Scottish First Division Partick Thistle, signing a two-year contract.[16]

Lawless scored his first goal (and the club's first goal of the season, with a left-footed shot, as Thistle beat Falkirk 3–1 in the opening game of the season[17] and would score again, the following week, in a 1–0 win over Dunfermline Athletic.[18] Having made a perfect start to the season, Lawless was awarded the August IRN-BRU SFL Phenomenal Young Player of the Month.[19] Lawless would say he couldn't have asked for a better start to his Partick Thistle career.[20] On 19 January 2013, during a match between Thistle and Falkirk, he provided an assist for Conrad Balatoni to score the first goal before coming off in the 25th minute with a fractured cheekbone and after going under the knife, he was set to be out for a month,[21] however, Lawless made a quick recovery following the operation.[22] In his first season, Lawless become a regular player in the first team, scoring thirteen goals, including scoring three braces and he also helped Partick Thistle gain promotion to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in nine years. His performances attracted interest not only in Scotland, but also England.[23] On 21 June 2013, Partick Thistle rejected a five-figure sum transfer fee for Lawless from recently relegated Dutch club Willem ll.[24]

In the 2013–14 season, Lawless played his first Scottish Premiership game, in a 0–0 draw against Dundee United, where he made his first start and played 90 minutes.[25] Then, eight days later, he scored twice, in a 3–1 win over Ross County, giving Thistle their first win of the season and first in the top flight since 2004.[26] However, Lawless struggled for match action during the season.[27] He then scored his third goal of the season, in a 5–1 loss against Motherwell on 29 December 2013[28] and then another against Ross County.[29]

Following a relatively successful season with Thistle in the Scottish Premiership, Lawless signed a further contract to keep him at Firhill until the end of the 2014–15 Scottish Premiership season.[30] Lawless made his 100th overall appearance for the Jags in a 5–0 win over Hamilton Academical at Firhill on 21 January 2015.

On 14 May 2015, Lawless was accused of breaching Scottish Football Association rules concerning gambling on matches[31] and one week later was given a six-match ban, with four of those suspended until the end of the 2015–16 season.[32] On 29 May 2015, he signed a new one-year contract extension with the Jags, keeping him at Firhill until the end of the 2015–16 Scottish Premiership season.[33]

Thistle were relegated to the Scottish Championship via the play-offs at the end of the 2017–18 season. Following that relegation, Lawless was one of many players released by the club.[34]

Livingston

[edit]

On 1 August 2018, Lawless joined newly promoted Scottish Premiership side Livingston.[35] He signed a new contract in June 2019.[36]

Burton Albion

[edit]

Lawless made the move to League One club Burton Albion on 13 July 2020, on a one-year deal.[37] He scored his first goal for the club in an EFL Trophy tie against Peterborough United on 8 September 2020.[38] Burton allowed Lawless to leave the club in January 2021 due to "family reasons".[39]

Motherwell Return

[edit]

On 15 January 2021, Lawless returned to Motherwell on a contract until the end of the 2021–22 season.[40][39] On 11 October 2021, he left Motherwell by mutual consent.[41]

Dunfermline Athletic

[edit]

On 27 December 2021, Lawless signed with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, becoming eligible to play for the club from January 2022.[42] Captaining the club through most of his time there, Lawless' contract was not renewed following relegation to League One and he left on 27 May 2022.[43]

Partick Thistle (2nd spell)

[edit]

On 13 June 2022, Lawless would re-join Partick Thistle on a two-year deal.[44]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 7 May 2022
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Motherwell 2010–11[45] Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2011–12[46] 0 0 1 0 1 1 — 2 1
Total 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1
Annan Athletic (loan) 2010–11[47] Scottish Third Division 0 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 2 0
Albion Rovers (loan) 2010–11[45] Scottish Third Division 25 3 1[i] 0 0 0 2[b] 0 28 3
Albion Rovers (loan) 2011–12[46] Scottish Second Division 10 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 3
Partick Thistle 2012–13[48] Scottish First Division 35 13 2 0 2 1 5[a] 0 44 14
2013–14[49] Scottish Premiership 28 4 1 0 3 1 — 32 5
2014–15[50] 33 3 2 0 3 0 — 38 3
2015–16[51] 37 5 2 0 1 0 — 40 5
2016–17[52] 30 2 3 1 5 1 — 38 4
2017–18[53] 27 1 1 0 6 3 2[c] 0 36 4
Total 190 28 11 1 20 6 7 0 228 35
Livingston 2018–19[54] Scottish Premiership 35 3 1 0 1 0 — 37 3
2019–20[55] 30 8 2 2 6 1 — 38 11
Total 65 11 3 2 7 1 0 0 75 14
Burton Albion 2020–21[56] EFL League One 16 0 0 0 2 0 2[d] 1 20 1
Motherwell 2020–21[56] Scottish Premiership 7 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 10 0
2021–22[57] 2 0 0 0 4 1 — 6 1
Total 9 0 3 0 4 1 0 0 16 1
Dunfermline Athletic 2021–22[57] Scottish Championship 18 3 0 0 0 0 2[e] 0 20 3
Career total 333 48 20 3 35 9 14 1 402 61
  1. ^ a b Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in the Second Division play-offs
  3. ^ Appearances in the Scottish Premiership play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in the EFL Trophy
  5. ^ Appearances in the Scottish Championship play-offs
  1. ^ Includes 1 match not listed on Soccerbase or Soccerway. Paterson, Colin (25 October 2010). "Match review: Albion Rovers 0 Sunnybank 1". Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser. Retrieved 23 November 2014.

Honours

[edit]
Partick Thistle
Individual
  • IRN-BRU SFL Phenomenal Young Player of the Month: August 2012.[19]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers:Motherwell FC" (PDF). Scottish Premier Football League. p. 15. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  2. ^ "Striker Robert McHugh signs new Motherwell contract". Sky Sports. 2 June 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  3. ^ "Annan add two youngsters". Scottish Football League. 20 July 2010. Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  4. ^ "Rovers increase squad with Fir Park swoop". Scottish Football League. 31 August 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  5. ^ "Paul Martin Column". Albion Rovers F.C. 1 December 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  6. ^ "E Stirlingshire 1–2 Albion Rovers". BBC Sport. 16 April 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  7. ^ "Queen's Park 2–1 Albion Rovers". BBC Sport. 23 April 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  8. ^ "Annan Ath 2–1 Albion Rovers (3–4)". BBC Sport. 24 May 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  9. ^ "Clyde 0–4 Motherwell". BBC Sport. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  10. ^ "Lawless rejoins Rovers on loan". Motherwell F.C. 20 October 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  11. ^ "Dumbarton 2–1 Albion Rovers". BBC Sport. 18 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  12. ^ "Albion Rovers 3–3 Cowdenbeath". BBC Sport. 3 December 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  13. ^ "Lawless extends Rovers stay". Motherwell F.C. 15 November 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
  14. ^ "End of season contract news". Motherwell F.C. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2012.
  15. ^ "Striker Steven Lawless running riot for Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 5 October 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  16. ^ "Partick Thistle complete trio of signings". BBC Sport. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  17. ^ "Partick Thistle 3–1 Falkirk". BBC Sport. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  18. ^ "Dunfermline 0–1 Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  19. ^ a b "IRN-BRU SFL Phenomenal Awards – August 2012". Scottish Football League. 21 September 2012. Archived from the original on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  20. ^ "Lawless out to make mark after law less Rovers spell". Scottish Football League. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  21. ^ "Partick Thistle Striker Steven Lawless Out for a Month With Fractured Cheekbone". The Glaswegian. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  22. ^ "Partick Thistle Ace Steven Lawless: I'll Be Back For Title Run-In". The Glaswegian. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  23. ^ "SPL news: Partick winger Steven Lawless attracting interest from England". Daily Record. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  24. ^ "Bid for Steven Lawless Rejected". PTFC official website. 21 June 2013.
  25. ^ "Partick Thistle 0 – 0 Dundee United". BBC Sport. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  26. ^ "Steven Lawless double helps Partick secure 3–1 win at Ross County". The Guardian. London. 10 August 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  27. ^ "Partick Thistle ace Steven want to take High road". Evening Times. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  28. ^ "Partick Thistle 1–5 Motherwell". BBC Sport. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  29. ^ "Partick Thistle 3–3 Ross County". BBC Sport. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  30. ^ FC, Partick Thistle. "Lawless signs for another year".
  31. ^ "Partick Thistle: Steven Lawless to answer SFA gambling charge". BBC Sport. 14 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  32. ^ "Partick Thistle: Steven Lawless banned for betting offences". BBC Sport. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  33. ^ Jack, Chris. "Steven Lawless puts pen to paper on new Partick Thistle deal". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  34. ^ "Playing squad update". ptfc.co.uk. Partick Thistle FC. 25 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  35. ^ "Steven Lawless signs up". livingstonfc.co.uk. Livingston FC. 1 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  36. ^ "Stevie Lawless: Livingston winger signs new one-year deal". BBC Sport. 1 June 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  37. ^ "STEVEN LAWLESS IS BUXTON'S FIRST NEW SIGNING FOR BURTON ALBION". burtonalbionfc.co.uk. Burton Albion FC. 13 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  38. ^ "Penalty Success For Posh After Entertaining Encounter". theposh.com. 8 September 2020. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
  39. ^ a b "Steven Lawless: Motherwell sign midfielder after Burton Albion exit 'for family reasons'". BBC Sport. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  40. ^ "STEVEN LAWLESS SIGNS FOR MOTHERWELL". motherwellfc.co.uk. Motherwell F.C. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  41. ^ "STEVEN LAWLESS LEAVES MOTHERWELL". motherwellfc.co.uk/. Motherwell F.C. 11 October 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  42. ^ "John Hughes makes first signing | Dunfermline Athletic Football Club". dafc.co.uk. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  43. ^ "Playing Squad Update | Dunfermline Athletic Football Club". dafc.co.uk. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  44. ^ Paton, Ewan (13 June 2022). "Partick Thistle sign Steven Lawless on two-year deal". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  45. ^ a b "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  46. ^ a b "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  47. ^ Steven Lawless at Soccerway. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  48. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  49. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  50. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  51. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  52. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  53. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  54. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  55. ^ "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  56. ^ a b "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  57. ^ a b "Games played by Steven Lawless in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
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