Chris Lawler

Chris Lawler (born October 25, 1943 in Liverpool) was a footballer who enjoyed much of Liverpool's success of the 1960s and 1970s.

Related Topics:
October 25 - 1943 - Liverpool - Liverpool - 1960s - 1970s

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A right-sided defender, Lawler joined his local club when he was 17 and made his debut at 19. For two seasons his progression into first team regular was gradual, but by 1965 he was the first choice right back and played in the team which beat Leeds United in the FA Cup final at Wembley, earning the trophy for the club for the first time in its history.

Related Topics:
1965 - Leeds United - FA Cup - Wembley

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His name was pretty much first on manager Bill Shankly's teamsheet thereafter, missing just three games in the next seven seasons. During this period, he won the League championship in 1966 and survived Shankly's massive cull of 1970 which saw a large proportion of the 1960s stars shipped out and replaced with younger talent. Only Emlyn Hughes, Ian Callaghan and Tommy Smith similarly survived this fate.

Related Topics:
Bill Shankly - League championship - 1966 - 1970 - Emlyn Hughes - Ian Callaghan - Tommy Smith

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Lawler played in the 1971 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal but earned another League title and also a UEFA Cup winner's medal in 1973. During this period he won his four England caps, scoring on his debut against Malta.

Related Topics:
1971 - UEFA Cup - 1973 - England - Malta

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He was only on the bench after a spell out injured as Liverpool reached the FA Cup final again in 1974, but gained another winner's medal after Liverpool swept aside Newcastle United 3-0.

Related Topics:
1974 - Newcastle United

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Shankly's departure in the summer of 1974 also heralded pretty much the end of Lawler's distinguished Liverpool career. New manager Bob Paisley purchased specialist right back Phil Neal at the end of the year and Lawler featured only sporadically, making his final Liverpool appearance in 1976 before joining Portsmouth, who were managed by former Liverpool team-mate Ian St John. Lawler joined Stockport County in 1978 before retiring.

Related Topics:
Bob Paisley - Phil Neal - 1976 - Portsmouth - Ian St John - Stockport County - 1978

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He has kept a low profile since, though has done some work for Liverpool, scouting for players. He also works in Skelmersdale, coaching young children.

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