Alex Lawless

Early career

Born in Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, Lawless was educated at Tonypandy Comprehensive School and began his career with the youth system of Cardiff City. After being released by Cardiff, he stayed at school and studied for his A-levels. He later played for Welsh Football League Division One club Ton Pentre, making 33 league appearances and scoring 10 goals in the 2002–03 season; this included two goals in a 9–0 victory over Milford in December 2002. Following a six-week trial, he signed professional terms with Premier League club Fulham on 21 August 2003.

Torquay United

He was released by Fulham in May 2005, and he was offered a trial with League Two club Torquay United in July. Lawless signed for the club on a free transfer and manager Leroy Rosenior said "It's important that the supporters are patient with these youngsters and give them time to learn and develop". He made his debut on 6 August 2005 in a 0–0 draw at home to Notts County, although he only lasted 26 minutes before being replaced by Tony Bedeau. His return from an injury after nearly a month out came in a 2–1 victory over Shrewsbury Town in September, which was Torquay's first win of the season. He picked up another injury in November 2005, and made his return after three months of not playing by starting in a 1–0 victory over Bristol Rovers on 17 December 2005. He scored an own goal after 86 minutes against Wycombe Wanderers on 26 December 2005, which resulted in Torquay drawing 2–2.…

Lawless was capped once for the Wales national under-19 team on 24 September 2003, entering a 2–1 home win over Greece in the 2004 UEFA European Under-19 Championship first qualifying round. He made his only under-21 appearance in a 1–0 defeat against Northern Ireland on 28 February 2006, eventually being substituted for Marc Williams on 84 minutes. He made his debut for the Wales semi-pro team in their 4–2 defeat to Italy on 14 November 2007. He was part of the semi-pro team to play against England C in February 2008, and he scored in their 2–1 defeat with a shot from 20 yards. He was named in the team to play Finland in November, although he was forced to miss the game because of an injury.

Lawless is able to play as a right or left midfielder, a central midfielder and a right back. While being equally comfortable playing at any of these positions, he prefers to play in a midfield role. He has also played in the hole and has given a composed performance as a second striker. His play as a right midfielder is "skilful" and he has been described as being "comfortable on the ball, a good passer, mobile and with an eye for goal". Stevenage Borough manager Graham Westley described him as a player "who impresses me with his consistency". After signing for York, manager Martin Foyle said "He is a great all-rounder, a technically good footballer and has a very professional attitude towards the game." His partnership with Neil Barrett in the central midfield for York drew praise from teammate Richard Brodie, who said "The midfield two worked really well together and picked up the second balls. Alex Lawless was flawless and he should be playing in the Football League".

After joining York City in 2009, Lawless moved into a house with teammates Neil Barrett, James Meredith, Richard Pacquette and Daniel Parslow. He has an interest in art, which he studied as a GCSE, saying "I wouldn't mind trying to make a living from it one day but my main priority is football". He is a Manchester United supporter and attention to his interest in art was first drawn after producing a painting of manager Alex Ferguson.