Born in Glasgow in 1879, Lawrence was a formidable stopper and an integral part of United’s great Edwardian side.
He spent 14 seasons as United’s first-choice goalkeeper and won three Championship medals during his Tyneside stay.
And what’s more, like his fellow players in that era, he missed four seasons of football when the Great War closed down the Football League between 1915 and 1919.
Durable and consistent, along with John 'Jock' Rutherford and Colin Veitch, he was one of only three players to take part in all of United’s Edwardian era successes.
As a young keeper in Scotland, he caught the eye of a number of clubs in England before moving to Tyneside before the start of the 1904/05 season – the first season United lifted the First Division Championship trophy and where they conceded less than a goal a game.
He replaced Charlie Watts between the posts when Watts picked up an injury and kept the jersey for almost two decades.
A keen student of the game ,he was at the heart of United’s success as they were undoubtedly the best side in the land.
Popular on and off the pitch he was a puncher rather than a catcher of the ball and was renowned for making stunning saves.
He loved the Tyne-Wear derby clashes too, saving four penalties in matches against neighbours Sunderland.