Lawrence tipped for vacant Wrexham job

DENNIS LAWRENCE is being tipped to take over as coach of his former club Wrexham FC, according to a report in the British newspaper The Leader.

When contacted yesterday, the 44-year-old, who is currently the national men’s football team coach, refused to confirm or deny the report.

“That’s a fantastic question you’re asking me there, but I can’t give you an answer to that,” said the ex-TT central defender.

According to the report in The Leader, Lawrence, the ex-Wrexham captain “is currently 2/1 with SkyBet and Bet Victor to succeed Sam Ricketts, whose departure for Shrewsbury Town was confirmed by the club on Monday.”

The Leader report continued, “Lawrence, who made 198 appearances for ‘the Reds’ in a five-year spell between 2001-2006, has been slashed from odds of 8-1 to take the role. (He) has moved ahead of current assistant manager Graham Barrow whose odds are currently 3/1.

“The two coaches have worked together previously at both Wigan and Everton under Roberto Martinez.”

Officials at the English National League (fifth division) club, which is based in Wales, “have assured fans that they will move swiftly to fill the managerial vacancy, with a slew of other potential candidates.”

The Leader report noted, “Wrexham will hold a press conference on Friday morning to provide further updates ahead of their home clash with Eastleigh.”

Lawrence replaced Stephen Hart as TT coach, on a two-year deal, in January 2017. He was unable to guide TT to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and his overall record is not flattering – five wins, four draws and 11 defeats.

However, Lawrence has recently expressed his desire to mould a team to compete at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.

It’s left to be seen whether the TT coach, nicknamed “Tallest”, will be around to see the national team return to the Gold Cup for the first time since a commendable showing in 2015, when they reached the quarter-final stage.