Background information

Some figures from the programme

• First football paycheck was £20 per week
• By the age of 21 Lex was earning £175 per week plus bonuses
• Most professional footballers retire before the age of 30

Early life and education
Born in Havelton on the edge of Glasgow, Lex first attended Hamilton Grammar School. Following in the footsteps of his father Doug, a former professional footballer with Rangers FC, Lex was drafted by rival Scottish club Celtic.

First career decision
At the age of sixteen a football scout spotted Lex and offered him a contract to play with Celtic's minor club team. Taking his mother's advice Lex continued to juggle both higher studies and 18 hours a week training.

The turning point
Not long into his career, Lex was pulled out to play for the Celtic first team. He played well and was regarded as a promising young player in professional Scottish football.

Conflict: the major and the minor
Playing with a predominantly catholic club such as Celtic caused friction with both his father and the general public, as his father had played for the largely protestant football club, Rangers. The religious rivalry proved to be an obstacle to overcome as Lex refused to be intimidated. His allegiance was brought into question but all doubts were quashed as he played brilliantly for several seasons. But after three years, it was apparent he did not have the talent to continue on in the professional arena. He made the difficult decision to end his football career and pursue another profession. He joined the police force at the age of 28.

Resolution
After ten years as a police officer, Lex is now desk sergeant at a police station in Glasgow, just ten miles from the stadium in which he played professional football. However, Lex feels fortunate to have once played in the big leagues and still enjoys the pick-up games after work with his fellow police officers.