Lawrie Tierney
06.12.2011

Hearts was today saddened to learn of the passing of former player Lawrie Tierney at the age of 52.

A creative midfield playmaker and a Scottish Youth Internationalist, Lawrie came from Falkirk and was born on 4 April 1959. He joined Hearts on an S-Form contract in July 1975 and was eventually signed as a full professional in April 1976, following a spell with Salvesen Boys Club.
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This was a turbulent period for the club and new manager Willie Ormond quickly promoted Lawrie to the senior squad for Hearts' first season outside of Scotland's top division.

He made his competitive debut on 13 August 1977 when Hearts drew 2-2 with Dumbarton at Boghead Park and over the campaign, with 28 appearances and two goals, the young midfielder helped the club to gain promotion back to the Premier Division. That season, Lawrie also assisted Hearts to reach the League Cup semi-finals but regretfully the Maroons went down 2-0 to Celtic at Hampden Park.

Lawrie suffered with the rest of the players and supporters in 1978-79 when Hearts failed to adjust to the greater demands of the Premier Division and was relegated. The following season, in January 1980, Willie Ormond left the club and with major changes also taking place off the field, Lawrie was released in the February. During his time at Tynecastle, he had scored two goals in 66 appearances, of which 59 were in the three major domestic competitions.

Lawrie looked to be heading for England but he eventually signed for Hibs in March 1980 and became involved in what was an ultimately unsuccessful fight against relegation from the Premier Division.

Then in July 1980, Lawrie joined Wigan Athletic for a season in the Football League Fourth Division. The elegant midfielder left Wigan the following summer for the USA where he played in the lucrative indoor soccer circuit for Phoenix Inferno, Golden Bay Earthquakes and Tacoma Stars.

Our condolences go to Lawrie's family at this sad time.