Mr Lawther was a football talent scout who visited 3 Coronation Street in March 1961 to speak to David Barlow about him signing up for Weatherfield County FC, firstly as an amateur and later on, if he proved suitable, as a professional. David was initially out at the time of his call and Frank Barlow insisted that Lawther be sat in the front room. His stated motive was to not show him that he and Ida were keen for David to sign and thus overplay their hand however in reality he had deep misgivings about David giving up his engineering apprenticeship. Ida was mortified that their guest was stuck in a room with no fire and asked Frank that he be let into the back room with them. He agreed and he and Lawther chatted in the more convivial atmosphere.