Introduction
Laurence Thomas Wilson (born 10 October 1986 in Huyton) is an English footballer who currently plays for Bangor City. He was previously on the books at Everton and has played for England at all youth levels up to and including under-19.
Playing career
Everton
Wilson is a graduate of the Everton F.C. Academy. He usually plays on the right wing, but can also play left-back. In November 2004, Wilson signed an 18-month professional contract with Everton. He never played for the first-team, but he did make it to the bench, and was an unused substitute in the Champions League qualifier against Villarreal.
Mansfield Town
In January 2006, Wilson joined Mansfield Town on loan until the end of the season. He made his Football League debut in a 2–2 draw at Wycombe Wanderers in February 2006 as a substitute and started the remaining 14 games of Mansfield's season afterwards, scoring in a 2–2 derby draw at Notts County.
Wilson became a crowd favourite at Field Mill. It was widely believed that he would join Mansfield permanently if he was released by Everton, especially after commenting that "Mansfield is just the type of club I would like to join if things don't work out [at Everton]. I've enjoyed playing here and the fans have been good to me."
Wilson was indeed released by Everton at the end of the 2005–06 season, and was offered a two-year contract by Mansfield. However, to the disappointment of the Mansfield fans, it was announced on 11 May 2006 that Wilson had snubbed the Stags and signed for League Two rivals Chester City – one of the clubs closest geographically to Everton.
Chester City
Wilson made his league debut for Chester City in a 2–0 opening day win over Accrington Stanley on 5 August 2006 and he would predominantly play in the left wing back slot for the remainder of the season. He started 34 of Chester's 46 league games, scoring in a 4–1 win over Lincoln City in December 2006. He also found the net four times in cup football.
Following the arrival of Bobby Williamson as Chester manager in May 2007, the side switched from a regular 3–5–2 formation to 4–4–2, with Wilson playing in the left-back slot. He remained a first-choice player during 2007–08 and scored a spectacular 30-yard free kick in Chester's 2–1 win at Macclesfield Town in September 2007. The 2008–09 campaign saw Wilson score once in 34 league appearances as the club suffered relegation from League Two. Following the final match of the season, Wilson was released from his contract at Chester.
Morecambe
On 14 July 2009, Wilson signed a two-year deal with League Two side Morecambe. His time with them saw him consistently earn a place in the starting line-up, accumulating a total of 111 appearances and scoring 11 goals.
Rotherham United
At the end of the 2011–12 season Wilson signed for Rotherham United. On 23 November 2012, Wilson's contract was terminated by mutual consent
Accrington Stanley
In January 2013 he signed for Accrington Stanley until the end of the season.
Bangor City
Wilson joined Welsh Premier League side Bangor City on 9 August 2016.
Career statistics
- As of match played 25 October 2016
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Other[A] | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Everton | 2005–06 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Chester City | 2006–07 | League Two | 41 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 49 | 5 |
| 2007–08 | League Two | 40 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 44 | 2 | |
| 2008–09 | League Two | 34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 37 | 1 | |
| Total | 115 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 130 | 8 | ||
| Morecambe | 2009–10 | League Two | 43 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 3 |
| 2010–11 | League Two | 38 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 42 | 3 | |
| 2011–12 | League Two | 30 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 6 | |
| Total | 111 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 123 | 12 | ||
| Rotherham United | 2012–13 | League Two | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Accrington Stanley | 2012–13 | League Two | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| 2013–14 | League Two | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | |
| Total | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 0 | ||
| Morecambe | 2014–15 | League Two | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1 |
| Total | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1 | ||
| Bangor City | 2016-17 | Welsh Premier League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Career totals | 294 | 16 | 12 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 328 | 21 | ||
- A. ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances (including substitutes) and goals in the Football League Trophy.
International career
Wilson was a runner up in the 2005 European Under-19 Championship when England lost against France.