[9] He eventually made his debut, playing at right back at home to Barrow on 1 December, and had a run of games at centre half in January,[4] before submitting a second transfer request at the start of February because he wanted to return to the south of England.
[12] Lawless lost his place, and his Aldershot career continued in the reserves until a dislocated elbow brought it to a temporary halt in November.
[18] Lawless appeared at full back in the first 12 matches of the season but, just as at Aldershot, a defensive mistake against Port Vale cost him his place in the side.
[21] He took a player-coach position at Welsh League club Ton Pentre while teaching in Hereford, but after a few months had to give it up because he was posted back to Southport.
[26] He then moved on to another Midland League club, Sutton Town, where he was given full charge of all team-related matters,[27] but resigned the following January, "tired of the frustrating struggle to gain players of the right standard.