Matt Lawlor

Born in Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire, Lawlor played as a midfielder and later centre back for Farsley Celtic in the Conference North and later Conference National (2007–08).^[1] He then played for Bamber Bridge in the Northern Premier League for nine years, eventually as captain.^[1]

Lawlor began coaching at age 26, working as a development coach for Manchester United in disadvantaged areas.^[1] In 2019, he joined Fleetwood Town as a youth coach, and two years later as their head of coaching and player development.^[1] He retired from playing in May 2021, aged 32, as he was unable to balance the commitment to Bamber Bridge with coaching Fleetwood's youths and raising his family.^[2]

Lawlor became Fleetwood's under-21 manager in December 2022, and became caretaker manager of the first team for one match on 5 September 2023 after the departure of Scott Brown. His team won 2–0 at home against Tranmere Rovers in the group stage of the EFL Trophy.^[1]

In April 2024, Lawlor moved to Fleetwood's partner club in the League of Ireland Premier Division, Waterford, as assistant manager to Keith Long.^[3] He returned to Fleetwood as under-21 manager in November that year, and after the dismissal of Charlie Adam, he was caretaker again on 26 December for a 2–0 home win over Chesterfield.^[4]

Lawlor went back to Waterford in April 2025 as caretaker manager between the tenures of Long and John Coleman, winning three games out of four.^[3] After a return to Fleetwood as an individual coach, he went back to being in interim charge of Waterford for the final four games of the season,^[3] plus a 2–1 win over Bray Wanderers in the promotion/relegation playoffs on 7 November.^[5]

Having returned to Fleetwood as part of Pete Wild's coaching staff, Lawlor succeeded him on an interim basis on 26 January 2026, until the end of the season.^[6]