Steven Lawless: Motherwell sign midfielder after Burton Albion exit 'for family reasons'
- Published
Steven Lawless (left) joined Burton Albion last summer
Steven Lawless has signed for Motherwell from Burton Albion, who say the midfielder was allowed to return to Scotland for family reasons.
The 29-year-old, who was an academy graduate at Fir Park, has agreed a deal until summer 2022.
Lawless had made 20 appearances for the League One club, 11 of them starts, after joining from Livingston in July.
"It's great to be back," Lawless said. "It means a lot to me to be coming back to the club."
Lawless scored on his Well debut in August 2011 but only made one more appearance before spending six years with Partick Thistle after loan spells with Albion Rovers.
He suggested it just had not worked out at Burton Albion under Jake Buxton, who left the club at the end of December, and was pleased to be back in familiar surroundings.
"I know a few of the boys from my time at Livingston and there's two from my Thistle days as well," Lawless said.
"Obviously I've got a lot of connections with the club. I spent so may years here as a youth, so there was a big pull on me, so I'm delighted to be back and hopefully help the boys push up the table."
Lawless becomes Graham Alexander's first signing as Motherwell manager but revealed there had been interest from previous boss Stephen Robinson.
"There was contact from the club for a few months actually - and even last season there was a bit of interest there - but it never materialised," he said. "However, it happened quite quick over the last 10 days."
Lawless could make his first appearance under Alexander at home to Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers on Sunday and insists he has "no regrets about giving it a bash" in English football.
"These things happen," he said. "Just sometimes a club aren't a good fit and I'm just glad to be up the road and I know my family are as well.
"I've not had many minutes recently, but I've been training every day and I've fit and ready to go."
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was appointed Burton Albion boss on New Year's day, told his club website: "It's just unfortunate that I came this late in. I would have liked to work with him, but for family reasons, he has had to go back to Scotland."
Lawless' departure comes two days after the arrival of former Hearts midfielder Sean Clare on loan from League One rivals Oxford United.