Mark Laurenson leaves the BBC’s football focus after 25 years as he makes a final appearance · Lucy Ward on life as a trailblazer and the art of football. Today we will discuss about Mark Lawrenson: Retired| Illness| Wife| Predictions| Young
Mark Lawrenson: Retired| Illness| Wife| Predictions| Young
Mark Thomas Lawrence (born 2 June 1957) is a former professional footballer who played as a defender for Liverpool during the 1970s and 1980s. After a short career as a manager, he has been a radio, television and internet pundit for BBC, TV3, BT Sport and Today FM. Born and raised in England, Lawrence qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland through his grandfather, Thomas Crotty, who was born in8 Waterford.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Mark Thomas Lawrenson | ||
| Date of birth | 2 June 1957 | ||
| Place of birth | Preston, Lancashire, England | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1974–1977 | Preston North End | 73 | (2) |
| 1977–1981 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 152 | (5) |
| 1981–1988 | Liverpool | 241 | (11) |
| 1988–1989 | Barnet | 2 | (0) |
| 1989 | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 20 | (3) |
| Total | 488 | (21) | |
Retired
Mark Laurenson has recorded his final football focus after 25 years on the popular BBC show.
The former Liverpool and Preston North End defender was a key figure in the Saturday afternoon preview event since 1997, but today’s FA Cup final between the Reds and Chelsea proved to be his last appearance on the show.
Laurenson has also been a regular on Match of the Day and final scores over the years and is known for injecting a dry sense of humor into the punditry. Today’s Focus featured a special montage, recorded live from Wembley ahead of the Cup Final, highlighting some of the funniest moments in his punditry career.
The 64-year-old even received a farewell message from none other than Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Illness
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has announced his departure from the BBC’s iconic show on Saturday afternoon after a quarter-century as a regular pundit. There are rumors that he retired due to his illness.
After 25 years on the iconic BBC show, Mark Laurenson filmed his final episode of Football Focus. The former Liverpool and Preston North End defender was a regular in Saturday afternoon’s preview. He had been on the show since 1997, but today’s FA Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea was his last appearance.
Wife
He has married twice in his life. Unfortunately, both the times it did not go well for him. His first marriage took place at the age of just 18. He was married to a woman named Elle. Apparently, the marriage ended quickly, at just nine months.
His second marriage with “vindictive” ex-wife Vanessa also didn’t turn out to be a picnic. According to the divorce proceedings she lost half her money. Their divorce which happened in the 90s.
According to Mark, “the worst financial move you can ever make”.
He has also reported that Vanessa made several allegations against him such as banning Skinflint from carrying credit cards and working in a pub owned by him on the eve of their wedding.
Predictions
The 141st FA Cup final will take place at Wembley on Saturday – will it be trophy number two of the season for Liverpool, or will Chelsea avenge their defeat in the Carabao Cup final?
BBC football expert Mark Laurenson has used his wits against a different guest in each round of this season’s FA Cup.
For the final, he is up against mixed martial arts legend Paul ‘Semtex’ Daly, who is set to end his 19-year career at Bellator 281 at Wembley Arena on Friday.
Coverage of the main card will be live on BBC Three
Young
“It didn’t go well with England but the bigger picture is that the Football Association will have to decide whether to take some of their top players to the tournament.
“Most of Southgate’s squads do their trade in championships so it was a great experience for them but I have to ask the question of how many of them are going to progress to the full national team.
“Tottenham striker Harry Kane is already there, Everton defender John Stones, I think he’ll make it, and maybe goalkeeper Jack Buttland, but looking at the others I’m not sure anyone will.
“The FA has to ask if they’re going to take these tournaments seriously and try to win them to gain that experience or are we just going to bleed a young crop, leading to maybe one or Two will make it but there will be no majority.
“Two years ago in Israel when Stuart Pearce was in charge there were 13 or 14 who could have come but didn’t.
“The FA should say we’re going to pick you up and the player’s club manager can be absolutely insane. Test them.
“Tell the player ‘Do you really want to play for England or do you want to take your money in the Premier League? Let them do it if they want it.
