Partick Thistle star looks at coaching as he ponders life outside of football

His son Braeden provided the inspiration – now Steven Lawless is looking to see whether he fancies a dip into coaching once he hangs up his boots.

The Motherwell youth academy product from Hamilton is now plying his trade in the Championship with Partick Thistle but the 31-year-old is looking towards a career path he started embarking upon long before his senior bow.

Prior to beginning his time at Motherwell as a professional, he went to college to do a course in sports coaching, and has now launched Lawless Premier Coaching.

Sessions are for children aged between 5-12 at 10 kids a session, and started on July 4 at Fives in his hometown.

He explained: “This has always been the plan. I had a year in-between leaving school and going full-time at Motherwell where I did a coaching course at college. It’s always been on the backburner.

“I think this will be a good thing for me to do and see if I enjoy it.

“My boy has just turned six so I have been watching him start his journey in football.

“That is what really gave me the nudge. Seeing him on a day-to-day basis, the amount of football I played when I was younger compared to him is night and day.

“That gave me the motivation to get this started so I can get him more hours training and playing football. I still feel fit and sharp.

“Last season during the runs, I was putting in personal bests. I still feel I have a lot left in me.”

After an uncertain close season, Lawless signed a two-year deal at Partick Thistle, where he played previously for six years between 2012-2018, and says his former gaffers can testify that the other side of football has always intrigued him.

Lawless added: “You always need to have an eye on your next move and venture. I don’t want to wait until I