Alan Lawrence

Scottish footballer

Alan Lawrence (born 19 August 1962 in Edinburgh),

Alan's two years with "The Warriors" are fondly remembered. He burst onto the scene at Ochilview with a hatful of crucial goals, most notably a hat trick in a 5–1 trouncing of Albion Rovers, as the club chased promotion. It was in mid season however, with a surplus of strikers and shortages elsewhere in the squad, that Nipper was moved to right back, where it was thought his experience of playing as a winger would benefit the team. He did not disappoint, turning in solid performances week in, week out, including a Scottish Cup tie against Rangers in January 1999, in which the team performed admirably. The move to defence didn't dampen his appetite for goals either, and he chipped in with some vital strikes in the club's hunt for promotion. Indeed, his last minute volley to win at Montrose late in the season set the tone for Stenhousemuir's promotion just a matter of weeks later, the first in the club's history. His second season at Ochilview was tougher, as it was for all involved with the club, as the inevitable battle to stave off relegation ensued. Stenhousemuir would survive that season, but despite this, his close relationship with the fans, and his desire to stay, Alan departed in August 2000 following an alleged difference of opinion with the club's board of directors.

Over the next few years, Lawrence acted as player coach at Cowdenbeath. He rejoined Airdrie in 2002, but made no appearances. Bathgate and Lawrence eventually got their hands on the trophy in 2008, beating Cumnock in the final.

Lawrence made an appearance in the Scottish football film A Shot at Glory in 2000, alongside The Godfather star Robert Duvall, as well as Michael Keaton and Ally McCoist. After being at Airdrie United for several years as assistant coach, in June 2012 Lawrence left the club citing "work commitments". However it was later reported that he had resigned from being a postman and was under investigation by The Royal Mail for mail theft. In February 2014, having pleaded guilty to the offence, he was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work.