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Personal
Fullname: Laurence James Gaughan
aka: Laurence Gaughan
Born: 14 February 1990
Birthplace: Sheffield
Signed: July 2007
Position: Central Defender
Height: 6' 2'' (188cm)
Internationals: Republic of Ireland U19
International Caps: 2
International Goals: 0
Biog
A burly centre half from Sheffield who represented Ireland at age-group level via his grandparents from Ballina in Mayo.
He joined Liverpool as a 15 year old after being on the books of local side Sheffield United, but disaster struck when a serious back injury washed out his whole first season at the Academy. Recovered to make regular appearances for the U18 team the following season while still 16/17 years old and helped them scoop the FA Youth Cup.
Had a contract for another year but joined boyhood favourites Celtic in summer 2007. It was unclear whether Laurence was released by Liverpool, or irked at not being moved up to train with the first team at Melwood, but Liverpool's loss was Celtic's gain and his signing was seen as something of a coup for the club at the time.
He spent the following 2007/08 season predominantly in the U19 team, with just three Reserve appearances. Although a big, powerful guy he liked to put his foot on the ball and if anything was guilty of over-elaboration at times. Also did not appear to be overburdened with natural athleticism and suffered with persistent niggly injuries. Perhaps was reminiscent of others such as Jim Slavin and Gerry White, massive defenders who excelled at Youth level but whose bulk became progressively less advantageous as they progressed to facing tougher, more experienced opponents.
2008/09 proceeded along much the same lines for Gaughan and he was released along with many other U19s half way through a rotten season for the Youths. A hip injury kept him out for the final months of the term.
Turned out as a trialist for Leyton Orient Reserves as they were thumped 4-1 by Gillingham Reserves on 16 September 2009.
Returned to South Yorkshire to sign for Sheffield FC, the World's oldest football team, on 28 September 2009.
Bumped his head and carried off ten minutes into a debut substitute appearance v. Cammell Laird on 30 September 2009. Re-emerged only to collapse again after heading the ball and spent the night in hospital.
Moved to Chesterfield on trial and last seen playing for Bradford City's reserves on 3 December 2009 as he seeks a way back into the pro game.
Signed for Conference North club Eastwood Town on 19 December 2009. Freed by 'the badgers' in May 2010.
Was playing in California for PDL league club Ventura County Fusion in July 2010.
Began 2010/11 back in the UK and on trial with Huddersfield Town, playing in a friendly at Wakefield FC on 29 September 2010. Moved on to Macclesfield Town the following month and played for the reserves in a 2-1 loss to Burnley on 27 October 2010.
Playing Career
| League Appearances | League Goals | ||
| 2006/07 | Liverpool Academy | 0 | 0 |
| 2007/08 | Celtic | 0 | 0 |
| 2008/09 | Celtic | 0 | 0 |
| 2009/10 | Sheffield FC | 1 | 0 |
Honours
Republic of Ireland U17 International Captain
Republic of Ireland U18 International Captain
Republic of Ireland U19 International
Pictures
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