After 25 years, Mark Lawrenson left BBC’s Football Focus. His last outing was today (May 14) before the FA Cup final.
Lawrenson began his football career in the 1970s and 1980s. Liverpool won the League Championship and League Cup in the ex-debut defender’s season (1981-82). He managed Oxford United before moving on to Peterborough United.
He has been a BBC Football Focus pundit for 25 years.
It wasn’t long until his co-hosts bid him farewell and played a montage of his best moments. The VT featured Lawrenson’s trademark wit and good nature, as well as memorable moments like Tony Blair’s appearance.
It also aired Lawrence’s 2002 bet that Bolton would get relegated. Lawrenson displayed his moustache after Sam Allardyce’s squad won.
Alex Scott asked Lawrenson if he’d miss the show after the footage played. Always funny, he replied.
He’ll miss it. “There’s much to discuss. My daughter was supposed to be here today, but she’s at university and probably still sleeping. “Ruby, get up,” he told the camera.
Then he was asked how he would enjoy Liverpool’s FA Cup final against Chelsea. His reaction demonstrated his pride in his club’s team and management.
“I’ll be happy if Liverpool wins, to be honest. I’ve witnessed several Liverpool games in recent years. This is their best team ever. You’d argue you’ve got 20 players at every position except goalie, and they’ve been playing so brilliantly.
“They win ugly, they win brilliant. Long may they have a great management.
Dion Dublin thanked Lawrenson for his support on the broadcast and said he admired the “older guys.” “I feel like an old buffer,” Lawrenson said.
The joke let him talk about playing football in the 1970s and 1980s.
“If you saw the pitches, the diet – we had no diet. We used to travel to Southampton by coach, not by plane. We were allowed beer or wine if we drew or won.
“They lost the opening once, and the bus was chaos. So, what happened? Bruce Grobbelaar drank with his eye. It was crazy.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp also sent a message. Lawrenson was a “Liverpool legend”
Klopp: “I heard Football Focus is ending. You’ve been doing it for 25 years, but you could keep going.
“As a Football Focus legend and a Liverpool legend, I wish you well – probably playing golf with Kenny. You’ll use time wisely. Liverpool’s best wishes. Thanks.