Lex Richardson: From Professional Footballer to Forklift Operator

Lex Richardson is a 26 year veteran of the D J Laing Group, where he currently works as a forklift operator. However, Lex’s career in the limelight started long before his work at D J Laing. Lex had a successful professional football career, starting as a midfielder for St Mirren in 1976 and ending his professional playing career in 1991 for Albion Rovers, with stops at Greenock Morton, Arbroath, and Dundee in between. During this time, Lex also gained a Scottish League cap for playing for Scotland.

In 1991 Lex signed for Carnoustie Panmure JFC, a team that was and still is sponsored by the D J Laing Group. It was during this time that Lex first met Club President, Dave Laing, and when the opportunity arose to join the company as a forklift operator in June 1995, he eagerly took it.

In 1998, Dave Laing attended the World Cup at the Stade de France, where Scotland played Brazil in the opening game. Dave was enjoying the hospitality with football legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Kenny Dalgleish, both of whom had been impressed by Lex’s talent as a footballer. Sir Alex Ferguson even went on to say, “Lex was a fantastic wee ball player and a likeable rogue!”

Lex Richardson’s journey from professional footballer to forklift operator has been a remarkable one. Despite the challenges he faced in his career, Lex has persevered and found stability in his role at D J Laing. The company, in turn, has benefited from Lex’s hard work, dedication, and years of experience.  Lex also gives up his free time every year to help Carnoustie Community Council erecting the Christmas lights.

The Company thanked Lex for his 26 years service and contribution to the team with a presentation at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel in December 2022.