Les Lawrence

Leslie Oliver Lawrence (born 18 May 1957) is an English former footballer who played as a forward. He scored 105 goals in 395 league and cup games during a twelve-year career in the Football League, most of which was spent in the Fourth Division.

Lawrence began his career at Stourbridge before joining Shrewsbury Town in 1970. Two years later, he joined Torquay United via Telford United. After 54 goals in 215 league and cup games for Torquay, he signed with Port Vale in July 1982. He played eight games of their promotion winning campaign before transferring to Aldershot in July 1983. Leaving the "Shots" in 1984, he then spent a season each at Fourth Division sides Rochdale, Burnley, Peterborough United, and Cambridge United, before moving into non-League football with Kettering Town, Aylesbury United and Bourne Town.

Early life Leslie Oliver Lawrence was born in Wolverhampton on 18 May 1957 to a Jamaican immigrant.

Career Early career Lawrence played for Southern League side Stourbridge before joining Shrewsbury Town of the Third Division. He made his debut at Gay Meadow against Swindon Town on 6 September 1975, becoming the first black player to represent Shrewsbury Town. After finishing ninth in 1979–80, Torquay dropped to 17th in 1980–81. He played 215 games in all competitions, scoring 54 goals.

Port Vale Lawrence joined John McGrath's Port Vale in July 1982. He made his debut as a substitute in a League Cup round one match against Rochdale on 30 August 1982. He became the first black player to represent Burnley when he debuted against Bradford City at Turf Moor on 24 November 1984.

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1975–76 Third Division

1976–77 Third Division

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1977–78 Fourth Division

1978–79 Fourth Division

1979–80 Fourth Division

1980–81 Fourth Division

1981–82 Fourth Division

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Aldershot 1983–84 Fourth Division

Rochdale 1984–85 Fourth Division

1984–85 Third Division

1985–86 Fourth Division

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1986–87 Fourth Division

1987–88 Fourth Division

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1988–89 Conference

1989–90 Isthmian League Premier Division

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1990–91 United Counties LeaguePremier Division

1992–93