Mark Lawrenson

Born in Preston in 1957, Mark Lawrenson began his professional career with Preston North End and moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in 1977 before joining Liverpool in 1981. A composed centre-back, he formed a formidable partnership with Alan Hansen and helped the Reds win five First Division titles, three League Cups and the 1984 European Cup. Lawrenson qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland and earned 39 caps. After brief spells in management with Oxford United and Peterborough United, he became a widely respected football pundit for the BBC and other broadcasters.