Laurence Abrams

Laurence Robert Abrams (also spelt Lawrence and Abram ) (14 May 1889 – 20 March 1966), often known as Lol Abrams, was an English professional footballer. During his career, he made over 250 appearances in the English Football League and Scottish Football League.

Born in Banks, Lancashire, near Southport, he began his career with Southport Central, becoming the club's youngest professional player after making his debut at sixteen. He moved to Colne Town in 1906 before joining Football League side Stockport County a year later.

In 1910, he moved to Scotland to sign for Hearts, helping the side win the East of Scotland Shield in his first season. His performances attracted attention from several clubs and, he eventually returned to England to join Chelsea where his career was interrupted by the First World War. He later made one appearance for Cardiff City before returning to Southport where he finished his professional career. He was described as playing in a "Scottish style" and was a strong tackler.

Although he never played an official match for England, he did represent the nation in one wartime international fixture.

Club career Early career Born in Banks, Lancashire, Abrams attended Churchtown School, helping the school football team win the Unwin Challenge Shield, a schools tournament in Southport. he made his senior debut on 11 November 1905 in a 7–0 defeat to Manchester United Reserves. He remained with the club for three years, making over 70 appearances.

Hearts

On 30 December 1910, He made his debut for the club the following day, during a 1–0 defeat to Third Lanark, and scored his first goal in his sixth appearance, during a 1–1 draw with Clyde in the Scottish Cup. On 11 April 1911, Abrams helped Hearts win the East of Scotland Shield after defeating Broxburn in the final. With the match held at 1–1 after 84 minutes, Abrams scored his second goal for the club to give his side a 2–1 lead. Two further late goals for Hearts saw the match finish 4–1. In September 1911, he won the Dunedin Cup with Hearts after defeating Ross County 1–0 in a second replay of the final, followed two 1–1 draws in the previous matches. Described as "a player of the Scottish school", Abrams' performances for Hearts in his new position attracted considerable attention from English clubs, being scouted by Liverpool who sent John McKenna to see him play.

Football League

Keen to move to England, Abrams eventually transferred to Chelsea from Hearts in 1914 for £1000.

He was a member of the Chelsea side that reached the FA Cup final in 1915 and he travelled to the final but did not play having suffered a twisted knee in the club's semi-final victory over Everton. He returned to Chelsea following the return of The Football League at the end of the hostilities, remaining at Stamford Bridge until 1920 having made a total of 49 appearances and scoring 7 goals in total. He joined newly elected Second Division side Cardiff City on a free transfer, reuniting with his former Stockport manager Fred Stewart. However, he made just one league appearance for the club on 30 August 1920 in a 0–0 draw with Clapton Orient, in the first league match played at Ninian Park.

Later life Following his retirement from playing, he worked as a painter and decorator in Southport.

Career statistics

Honours Hearts East of Scotland Shield winner: 1911 Dunedin Cup winner: 1911

Chelsea FA Cup Runner-up: 1915