A dangerous and entertaining winger with a keen eye for goal, Jimmy Lawson kick-started his professional footballing career with hometown club Middlesbrough in 1965. In the summer of 1968, Huddersfield Town came calling, and it was at Leeds Road that Lawson truly began to make his mark.
PART ONE
When former Manchester United defender Ian Greaves took the managerial reins at Huddersfield Town in June 1968, he inherited a club in desperate need of rejuvenation. The Terriers had languished in the lower half of the Second Division for far too long, and a change in fortunes was imperative. Greaves sought fresh faces to invigorate his squad, and among his notable signings was Jimmy Lawson from Middlesbrough, a wingman known for his appetite for attacking football.
Lawson’s impact was not immediate, as Huddersfield’s early season form was, to put it kindly, erratic. A goalless draw with Portsmouth at Leeds Road on the opening day hinted at defensive solidity, but a narrow 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace and an equally narrow 1-0 loss at Preston North End suggested that attacking fluency was lacking. Yet, Greaves’ troops showed glimpses of their potential, particularly in a 2-0 victory over Derby County at Leeds Road, where Frank Aimson’s brace provided much-needed relief.
By the time September rolled around, Huddersfield were struggling for consistency, alternating between encouraging wins and deflating losses. The 3-0 demolition of Cardiff City at Leeds Road, with Frank Worthington bagging a brace, hinted at an upturn in form. However, this was followed by a frustrating 1-0 loss against Charlton Athletic at The Valley. It was in October that Jimmy Lawson truly announced himself to the Huddersfield Town faithful, with a blistering performance against his former employers Middlesbrough.
What’s more, the 3-0 triumph at Leeds Road on October 8 was arguably Huddersfield’s most convincing display of the campaign to that point, and Lawson, perhaps with a point to prove against his old employers, rose to the occasion with a stunning brace. His ability to find pockets of space, exploit defensive frailties, and finish with aplomb signalled his arrival as a crucial cog in Greaves’ attacking machinery. The result propelled Huddersfield to fifth in the Second Division standings, and optimism grew among the fans.
Nevertheless, football is seldom a smooth ride, and inconsistency soon reared its head again. A sobering 3-0 defeat to Hull City at Boothferry Park followed, dousing the flames of enthusiasm. Yet, Lawson continued to shine, netting an important goal in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park on October 26, where Town showed resilience and attacking verve in equal measure.
By November, the team was flirting with the upper echelons of the table, buoyed by a 3-1 home win over Aston Villa and a gritty 1-0 away triumph at Bristol City. Lawson remained a reliable attacking threat, notching another two goals in a pulsating 4-3 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage. Huddersfield’s defensive vulnerabilities, however, proved costly, as an inability to keep clean sheets frequently undermined their attacking efforts.
As winter set in, Town’s form remained unpredictable. A 2-1 victory over Oxford United was offset by a deflating 3-0 defeat to Hull City. By January, the momentum had faded slightly, with a series of draws and narrow defeats pushing them down the standings. Despite this, Lawson had established himself as a vital part of Greaves’ side, offering movement, intelligence, and goals.
By the season’s end, Huddersfield had settled into a mid-table finish, their promotion aspirations ultimately undone by inconsistency. Yet, Lawson’s contribution had been invaluable, and his knack for scoring in crucial moments offered promise for the seasons to come.
PART TWO
Jimmy Lawson would play a crucial role in Huddersfield Town’s triumphant 1969-70 campaign, a season that saw them storm to the Division Two title and secure their long-awaited return to the top flight.
Huddersfield began the season with a hard-fought 2-1 away win over Oxford United att Manor Ground, a result that immediately set the tone for what was to come. Although Lawson did not get on the scoresheet that day, his movement and link-up play ensured Town carried a persistent attacking threat. This was followed by victories over Aston Villa and Preston North End at Leeds Road, with Worthington and Steve Smith emerging as key figures in attack. However, it wasn’t until October that Lawson’s name was etched onto the scoresheet, albeit in a losing cause, as Town suffered a rare setback in a 4-1 defeat at Villa Park.
Yet, in classic fashion, Huddersfield bounced back emphatically, dismantling Eddie Firmani´s Charlton Athletic by a 4-0 margin at Leeds Road just three days later. This time, Lawson made sure his impact was tangible, getting himself a well-deserved goal in a performance that showcased both his predatory instincts and his ability to link up with midfielders like Nicholson and Jimmy McGill. What’s more, this victory was a statement—Greaves’ side weren’t just grinding out results; they were playing expansive, attacking football with a swagger rarely associated with Huddersfield sides of the past.
Lawson’s most notable contribution came in November during a trip to Deepdale. In a match that was expected to be a tough test against Preston North End, he found the back of the onion bag in a commanding 3-1 victory, complementing a brace from Worthington. This result reinforced Town’s promotion credentials, keeping them firmly in first place, a position they would not relinquish for the remainder of the season.
Despite not being a prolific goal-scorer, Lawson’s ability to step up when needed was evident in key fixtures, particularly when the pressure intensified after Christmas. Town had a battle on their hands with Blackpool and Sheffield United remaining in close pursuit, but their remarkable consistency proved decisive. By the time April arrived, Huddersfield were quite simply unstoppable, and they clinched the title in emphatic style, finishing seven points clear at the top.
PART THREE
Huddersfield’s 1970-71 campaign was one of both challenges and resilience, marking their return to the top flight after a 14-year absence. Finishing 15th in the First Division, the club was just nine points clear of relegation, a position that underscored the club’s struggle to adjust to the demands of the higher tier. Amidst these trials, one player who stood out for his contribution was Jimmy Lawson, who, despite being a relative newcomer to the top division, showed both promise and determination throughout the season.
The season began on a high note for Huddersfield. In their opening fixture on August 15, 1970, the men in blue and white stripes triumphed 3-0 over Blackpool in front of a crowd of almost 23,000 spectators at Leeds Road, with Smith scoring twice and Worthington adding another. The good start gave reason for optimism, and Lawson, like the rest of his teammates, was eager to prove that their promotion was no fluke. However, as the fixtures continued, Huddersfield’s fragility began to show. They suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield just a week later, and the pattern of inconsistency became evident. Despite these setbacks, Lawson’s performances were a ray of light.
Notably, Lawson’s impact was not just in his work ethic but in his knack for scoring vital goals. One of the highlights of his season came on November 14, 1970, when Huddersfield found themselves up against Burnley at Turf Moor. Lawson scored in a thrilling 3-2 victory, a result that would go down as one of the most memorable of the campaign. This match epitomized Huddersfield’s dogged resilience; despite Burnley taking an early lead, Town fought back, with Lawson playing a key role in securing the win. His goal was more than just a strike; it was a symbol of the grit that Huddersfield needed to survive in the top flight.
Lawson’s ability to step up in crucial moments became a theme throughout the season. On November 21, 1970, Huddersfield locked horns with West Bromwich Albion at Leeds Road, where Lawson once again found the back of the net in a 2-1 victory. over the Baggies This goal, alongside his Burnley strike, showcased Lawson’s growing importance to the team, as the club struggled to find consistency. Yet, despite these flashes of brilliance, the team’s overall form remained patchy.
On 16 January 1971, Jimmy Lawson’s talents were on display in Huddersfield’s surprise 2-1 victory over title contenders Arsenal at Leeds Road, a monumental win that lifted the club’s spirits and momentarily eased their relegation fears. Lawson’s role in this match was critical, though his name did not appear on the score sheet. His ability to hold the ball, link play, and support the attacking movements helped Huddersfield weather the storm and claim the two points against a star-studded Arsenal side.
However, the team’s season was ultimately a tale of highs and lows. They achieved a series of commendable results but were also undone by poor form at crucial moments. Notable defeats, such as the 3-1 loss against Stoke City at Victoria Ground in October 1970, and a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Leeds Road in November, illustrated the team’s vulnerability. Lawson’s performances, though valuable, could not mask the overall lack of consistency that haunted Huddersfield. Still, his reliability in key matches earned him respect among fans and teammates alike.
Perhaps the most fitting conclusion to Lawson’s season came on May 1, 1971, in a close 1-0 win over West Ham United at Upton Park. Lawson scored the only goal of the match, securing a vital three points and further cementing his legacy as one of Huddersfield’s most influential players that year. This goal, much like his others, was crucial in helping the club stave off relegation, a battle they had fought all season.
PART FOUR
The next season began with a 2–2 draw against Leicester City at Leeds Road on August 14, 1971. Lawson made an early impact as he scored in the subsequent match against Tottenham Hotspur on August 21, in what would turn out to be a 4–1 loss at White Hart Lane. His goal came as a brief glimmer of hope in a tough encounter. And so, it continued: despite Huddersfield’s poor results, Lawson was never far from the score sheet, a testament to his ability to shine in a season that was, in every sense, a struggle.
One of Lawson’s standout performances came on September 25, in a 2–1 victory over rivals Leeds United before a crowd of over 26,000 on-lookers at Leeds Road. It was a rare occasion of joy for the Town supporters, and Lawson, who had scored in a 3-1 loss against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on 31 August, and in a 2-1 win over Southampton at The Dell on 4 September, added another goal to his tally. His opener against Leeds, coming from a free kick, showcased his quality and composure in moments of pressure.
As the year progressed, Huddersfield’s fortunes worsened, and they found themselves adrift in the league table. Their last league win came on November 27, a 2–1 victory over eventual champions Derby County at Leeds Road. Lawson’s performance continued to be one of the few things to hold onto for the Huddersfield supporters, as his goal-scoring ability and tireless work ethic never wavered.
The new year, however, did not bring much-needed improvements. From January onwards, Town went on an 18-match winless streak, failing to secure a single victory until the final month of the season. Lawson continued to score, though, including an equalizer against Tottenham on March 28, 1972. It was the final goal of his season, a testament to his persistence and skill even as the team crumbled around him. His ability to find the back of the net was one of the rare positives in a season that saw Town relegated to the Second Division.
Despite their woes, Lawson’s individual form remained consistent. He ended the campaign with an impressive tally of seven goals, a solid return in a side that could not find their rhythm. His performance proved that, even in the face of adversity, individual brilliance could still shine through. Moreover, it highlighted his resilience—a characteristic that would define much of his career.
Huddersfield’s relegation was confirmed long before the season’s final day. In their last game on April 29, a goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the Terriers sealed their fate as the bottom club in Division One. Jimmy Lawson, however, could hold his head high, having provided moments of inspiration in what was otherwise a season of despair.
The 1971-72 campaign remains etched in the history of Huddersfield Town Football Club for all the wrong reasons. It marked the end of Huddersfield’s Division One tenure, a descent into Division Two that would define the West Yorkshire side for years to come.
Following Town´s relegation from the First Division, the heart of the team was dismantled. Three of their star players, namely Trevor Cherry, Roy Ellam, and Frank Worthington, left for pastures new. Cherry and Ellam joined Leeds United, while Worthington made the move to Leicester City. Huddersfield recruited Alan Gowling, Graham Pugh, and Phil Summerill, who brought hope to the supporters during the summer, but their arrival couldn’t stave off the inevitable.
As the 1972-73 season unfolded, Huddersfield’s plight only deepened. Despite the best efforts of the new signings, the team struggled to find consistency and balance. The club’s fate was sealed with a second consecutive relegation, this time to the Third Division.
For the first time in their existence, Huddersfield Town found themselves in the third tier of English football. A 10th-place finish in Division Three in the 1973-74 term was far from the standards expected at Leeds Road, marking the culmination of a challenging year. In consequence, manager Ian Greaves, unable to arrest the slide, resigned at the end of the season. Huddersfield needed a fresh start.
At the start of the 1974-75 term, ex-Leeds United midfielder Bobby Collins was brought in as manager to turn the ship around. However, despite his experience and pedigree, Collins couldn’t prevent the downward spiral as Huddersfield slipped further into despair with a catastrophic relegation to Division Four in 1975.
A steady and loyal team player, Jimmy Lawson would go on to amass 42 league goals in 245 appearances for the Terriers, but by 1976, with his best years seemingly behind him, he made the move to neighbouring Halifax Town where he ended his playing days in 1978.