Hi Granny Pie. He was terrific for Walsall and a brave centre forward. He had the distinction of playing for all the East Midland sides.

Lawrie Dudfield

 

 

 

Lawrie was signed by Notts in the summer of 2006, after finishing his contract with Boston Utd (Who then played at a higher level than they do now!)

He had been a bit of a journeyman in his time, but Notts were no strangers to that type of player. Although he classed himself as a striker, where he was frequently played, he never had a strong reputation for goals. This continued at Notts, where Lawrie made 74 appearances in 2 years, scoring just 9 goals.

In 2008, Lawrie was released by Notts. In the same year, he retired from professional football. 

After a couple of stints playing part-time with various clubs and managing Quorn FC, he is now employed as the Commercial Manager with 'them across the river'.  He also set up his own company, Iconz Experience, who set up events using well known footballers.

I always have fond memories of Dudfield but I don't know if it's comedy value at some of the howlers he used to miss. He was one of those 'Hawley-esque' strikers who had an abundance of skill, but no idea how to put the ball into the back of the net. That made him frustrating to watch, the ability was there, the desire was there, it just never seemed to work.

It seems to me Lawrie is doing better outside of football than he ever did in it. 

One of my favourites this time,

Danny Allsopp

 

Originally coming to Notts on loan during the 1999 season, he only made 3 appearances but did score 1 goal. Notts ended up deciding to buy Allsopp for 300,000 pounds. He scored 50 goals in 111 appearances for The Magpies, a ratio just under 0.5 goals per game.

A big powerful centre forward, who wasn't too bad with his feet and could certainly shift, his partnership with Mark Stallard was sparking. 


From Notts,  Danny moved to Hull where he did well, if not replicating the goal ratio he achieved at Notts. 

After Hull, Danny decided to return to his native Australia. He signed for Melbourne Victory for the inaugral season of the newly formed Australian A-League. However, he did not achieve the form or performances his ability would suggest in a league that was ultimately, a step down.

However, during the next season Allsopp found his form and the goals followed. This continued until 2009, when he signed for Al-Rayyan, a Qatari side. He scored 6 goals in 12 games there, before opting to move to the MLS with DC United.

Things didn't quite work out at DC, and after 1 season he mutually terminated his contract, returning to Melbourne Victory.



Danny Allsopp is now retired from professional football, turning out for his boyhood club Croydon City Arrows.





Allsopp is one of my favourite Notts players. I always remember him almost ripping the net with one of his penaltys. I was only young at the time, probably 9-10. I also got to see him play in the A-League in Australia, when he saw the Notts shirt I was wearing he came over straight away for a chat and a signature.

Top bloke!

I don't know about the real Danny - Ben but we need to snap you up, I think a long term contract might be in order! I love your posts about former players, very enjoyable.

Thanks!

Thanks for the post,very interesting.

I used to enjoy watching Danny Allsopp play, he had a good strike partnership with another favourite of mine Mark Stallard, if my memory serves me well.

Another enjoyable read,SDA.Thanks.