Dennis Lawrence: My amazing adventure.

By Mark Currie.
22-Nov-2005 - Wrexham's Dennis Lawrence - whose 49th minute goal for Trinidad against Bahrain put the Caribbean nation through to next summer's World Cup finals - has revealed he missed out on his team's immediate post-match celebrations because of a random drugs test.
The big central defender was pulled aside by Fifa officials only minutes after the final whistle and segregated from his team-mates for nearly two hours until he was able to provide a urine sample.
But Lawrence said he more than made up for lost time when he was later given permission by Wrexham boss Denis Smith to fly back to Trinidad for the biggest party in his country's history.
The 31-year-old former soldier, whose career as a professional footballer began only when he signed for the Dragons in March 2001, yesterday confessed he was still coming to terms with his new status as a national hero.
"I've only ever wanted to play football so it's not something you prepare yourself for," he said. "My initial reaction to winning last week was to be happy for my country and even now it's still unbelievable, but obviously a bit special for me.
"After the disappointment of drawing 1-1 with Bahrain in Trinidad we knew we had to score out there, but when I got the goal I didn't for a minute believe it would be the one to take us through.
"All I can remember is that Dwight Yorke shaped to take a corner and was told to drive it hard into the box. I managed to lose my marker and put my head on the ball and made sure I kept it low.
"It was only at the end that its importance registered and there was a huge buzz among everyone on the pitch as we realised what we had done. But then I was whisked away for a drugs test and by the time I was through I simply joined the players on the bus to the hotel.
"Not being able to join in the dressing room party took a bit of the shine off it for me, but we'd won the game and I couldn't ask more than that."
Having witnessed the triumph in person, Trinidad's president, Maxwell Richards, immediately declared a public holiday and insisted that the players abandon their original plans to rejoin their clubs on Thursday and instead travel home to the capital, Port of Spain.
But Lawrence said he was reluctant to incur the wrath of the Racecourse boss. "I was already wearing my winter clothes because I knew it was cold in Wrexham, but eventually I rang the gaffer and told him about the party," he added..
"He couldn't have been more under-standing and said I had to go back to Trinidad and enjoy it. "I've lived there for 26 years of my life but I've never witnessed anything like the scenes that met us. There were enough people at the airport, but we boarded an open-topped bus and the journey into the centre, which normally takes 35 minutes, lasted six-and-a-half hours, so big were the crowds.
"I was later told the partying had begun from the moment I had scored the goal so it made sense to have a public holiday because people wouldn't have gone into work in any event.
"Reaching the World Cup finals is the best thing that's happened to our country, so the party went on and on and I think I got about three hours sleep out of 48."
Commenting on reports that team members have each been awarded a plot of land in Trinidad in addition to a bonus of £60,000 for qualifying, Lawrence said: "I've not heard anything about the land, but if it's true I'll be delighted.
"The sight of all those happy people in Trinidad was its own reward and meant everything to me. Material things come and go but that will be my abiding memory. I'm proud of my country and would do anything for it.
"As players we didn't talk about money before the games with Bahrain. Our goal was to achieve something for our country, which we've done, so we'll be happy with whatever the financial rewards may be.
"Going to Germany will produce new sponsorship and commercial deals and there's money to be made for individuals and for Trinidad, but that's not really important.
"I'm proud of who I am, I'm proud of my culture and heritage and I'm a great believer that things happen for a reason. My wife told me she knew I was going to score before Dwight took the corner and all the good things in my football life have come late.
"I didn't get my first professional contract until I was 26 and I'll be 31 if I'm selected to play in the World Cup finals. So I'm planning to enjoy it while it lasts and make sure those around me enjoy it too."
The consummate professional, Lawrence knows only too well he must yet earn his place in the Trinidad squad for Germany.
"Hopefully I'll be available for selection when the time comes," he said. "But I know I've got to keep myself fit and be mentally prepared to fight for my place against a lot of other players.
"Obviously I've got a great opportunity to go to the finals and if I'm there I'll be delighted. Last week was the highlight of my career because it's the first time Trinidad have reached the finals of a major tournament. So, of course, I want to be part of that.
"If I go, I'll make sure my wife (Gloria) and daughter (Celine, eight) are there as well because they have missed out on everything that has happened so far.
"But my job now is to play for Wrexham and I can't let thoughts of the World Cup affect that. I've got to carry on performing as I've always done and I won't do anything different. "I'll still be putting my foot in - and my head - where and when it's needed."

Two towers of strength for T&T.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
12-Oct-2005 - Dennis Lawrence and Marvin Andrews, has grown into the one of the more formidable partnerships on the national team. And the benefits of this development over the last five years need to be.
The T&T defence pair, expressed more than ever today, when the Warriors play Mexico at the Hasely Crawford Stadium at 8 p.m. Lawrence is now at Wrexham FC, while Andrews is attached to Scottish Premier League champions Glasgow Rangers. They have been regulars in the T&T team during the qualifying campaign. They are also regular room-mates in the T&T live in camps. You see them boarding the flights and even going for meals one behind the other.

Good understanding.

“Myself and Dennis have a good understanding on and off the field. On the field it’s easy, because we play a similar position and off the field we’re room-mates and really good friends,” Andrews said on the eve of T&T’s match against Mexico.
“We just try to give our best every time to help the situation whatever it may be. It’s not just about me and Dennis though, because we just try to do our part to benefit the team.
“We’ve been playing together all the time. Once you get used to someone, we both know our strengths and weaknesses and this goes back to when Ian Porterfield put us together back in 2000 and that’s already five years and counting.
” It’s no disrespect to anyone by saying that we feel comfortable with each other, because I have played a similar role with guys like Brent Sancho and have also been comfortable. But myself and Dennis have done it longer and we can trust each other.”
Asked if he could recall when their partnership began turning into something special, Andrews was unsure, but Lawrence quickly held up an old newspaper clipping which highlighted T&T’s 1-0 win over Mexico back in July 2000, saying:
“We try to build a team and sometimes this starts with a team-mate and building relationships. It doesn’t take too much, but we have been playing for two qualifying campaigns now.
“Doggy just lets me do my thing and I let him do the same. The main thing is encouraging each other. It’s not just between us, but over a squad of 21 players.
“Fortunately, one of the good partnerships has been myself and Marvin and now you can probably look at Spann and Carlos. ”We talk a lot on the phone when we’re outside in the UK, maybe even to just have a laugh.”

Club’s donation off to Caribbean.

Evening leader.
23-Feb-2005 - One of Wrexham FC’s big-hearted stars is hoping to get youngsters following in his footsteps when he returns home to the Caribbean.
Dennis Lawrence who towers over most men at 6ft 7in, will be returning to Trinidad at the end of the season with generous donations from young footballers in Wrexham.
Members of the Garden village Football club have kindly donated boots and kits to help out less fortunate youngsters in Dennis’ homeland.
The Trinidad and Tobago international had approached Phil Saddler, who is the assistant manager of the garden Village under-10s, and asked if he could take any unwanted boots left at the end of the season, but the generous club was happy to hand over a lot more.
Phil said:” Dennis Lawrence had asked if we had anything like old boots we could give for the kids in Trinidad as they don’t really have anything.
“The kids out there are playing bare feet in rubble and we have managed to get more than 30 pairs of boots to help them out. There are some kits as well that Dennis will be taking with him at the end of the season. “Having the kit and boots will hopefully help encourage more kids over there to get into playing football.”
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old Trinidad international's change in status was confirmed by the Home Office, meaning he no longer needs a work permit to play in British football.
And Lawrence, who was signed from Trinidadian club Defence Force in 2001, told fans to brace themselves for a nerve-jangling end to the season as the Dragons chase League One safety and glory in two cup competitions.
"It's a great achievement to get my UK residency," said the 6ft 7in centre-back.
"I completed four years working in the country on March 5 and applied for residency straight away.
"It's a relief to have it all done and dusted. It means I can concentrate on playing now, so it's a massive weight off my shoulders.
"All the worrying is behind me. "I'm settled at Wrexham. I've bought a house in the area and my family have also got residency, so we're all delighted."
Dragons boss Denis Smith added: "It's good news for Dennis personally, and good for the club too. He's settled here as a player and he's also settled into the local community.
"He's earned the right to be a UK resident and I'm delighted for him."
Lawrence admits the pressure of knowing he needed to play regularly for his country in order to secure a work permit often played on his mind.
And he is relieved it's a problem he no longer needs to be concerned about.
"I wouldn't say I was always worried about it, but it was something I thought about a lot," he said.
"Now I've got residency, I'm in the driving seat. I can be fully focused on Wrexham now.
"I'm under contract at Wrexham for another two years and I'm delighted with that.
"I'm looking forward to concentrating on keeping us up. There is a lot of work ahead."
Although the Dragons are in the thick of a relegation dogfight and facing an uncertain future off the field, Lawrence is trying to remain upbeat as the club heads into the final few weeks of the season.
And the giant centre-back believes it would be a magnificent achievement if Wrexham could secure League One survival and go on to win the LDV Vans Trophy and FAW Premier Cup.
Wrexham face Bangor in the Premier Cup semi-finals next month, but it's the Millennium Stadium appearance against Southend on April 10 that's really got the fans' pulses racing..
Lawrence said: "We have the chance to turn what might have been a disastrous season into a massive triumph. When you look at the 10 points we had deducted and all the players we've had injured, it would be a great triumph if we could stay up and win the LDV Trophy and Premier Cup too.
"But the guys here are so professional and they aren't getting carried away.
"We can't think of Cardiff just yet, because the next game is Swindon in the league and that is all we should think about. When Cardiff comes round, we'll think about it then."
Lawrence becomes the third Wrexham player to be granted UK residency this season, following in the footsteps of international team-mates Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam.

Dennis Lawrence talking: Locals will help World Cup dream.

By: Lasana Liburd.
17-Feb-2005 - Giant Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence believes Trinidad and Tobago coach Bertille St Clair is better off than his predecessor, Scotland-born Ian Porterfield, because of the talented local-based players available for the country's 2006 World Cup qualifying bid.
The six foot seven Lawrence, who played regularly for Porterfield in T&T's unsuccessful 2002 qualifying campaign, thinks the emergence of players from the Pro League has improved their chances although it makes it more difficult for him to get in the squad.
Lawrence, who has 44 senior caps, was omitted from the team that lost 2-1 to the United States in the opener of the final CONCACAF qualifying round at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, but remains excited by his country's prospects.
"The team's chances are good whether I am in or out of the team," said Lawrence, "because we have good locals and good foreign based (players), so it is just how we apply ourselves. I think, in 2002, we had so many foreign-based players coming in just before the game whereas now the manager has more to work with at home and can spend more time preparing the team."
Lawrence suggested, though, that the regular international players left out of the squad deserved the courtesy of a 'phone call from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation's (T&TFF) technical staff informing them of the coach's decision and possibly offering an explanation.
"Obviously you are going to be dis-appointed (when you are not selected) because you are all heart and soul for your country," he said. "But at the end of the day the manager and coach have decisions to make and you have to accept it as a footballer. But probably the way they do things can be much better.
"I have not spoken to anyone since the last World Cup qualifier and I think that sends a message to me loud and clear. You need to keep relationships with your players."
Wrexham striker Hector Sam was also ignored by St Clair despite scoring in Trinidad and Tobago's penultimate qualifier when they edged St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-1. However, he was philosophical about his disappointment.
"You are always going to be disappointed because you want to play but Trinidad and Tobago have plenty players (who are) capable so you just have to wait for your chance," he said.
Carlos Edwards was the lone Wrexham representative at the Queen's Park Oval last Wednesday after a six-month injury induced lay-off. The wingback enjoyed his stint with his national teammates although he admitted that he was short of his best form against the United States and was still getting used to his role.
"It is a while since I played in a 4-4-2 system but we have to make the formation work," said Edwards. "My overall performance was average because it was hard (to cope) with the heat but we have nine games to go and we just have to grind it out and try to get to Germany 2006."

Dennis Lawrence get's Wrexham recognition & takes pay-cut.

By: David Lovett.
21-May-2004 - The Official Supporters Association organise the main Player of the Year trophies and thanks to the introduction of online voting via the website, we have been able to offer fans all over Wales, the UK and the world an opportunity to cast their votes.
This you certainly have done and we have literally received hundreds and hundreds of votes from all points of the globe. After they were tallied up, Dennis Lawrence was announced as the winner, with Carlos Edwards and Andy Dibble worthy runners-up.
Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence is player of the season - but it didn’t quite have a happy ending on Saturday. Lawrence, a Trinidadian international, was presented with his trophy before the last league game of the season against Brighton. Wrexham lost 2-0 with Lawrence scoring an own-goal for the killer second goal. But manager Denis Smith praised Lawrence for his attitude and commitment to the club throughout the season. He said: “Dennis is a man, in the truest sense of the word. You can rely on him and I’m delighted he’s won this award, which I might say, is fully deserved.”
Meanwhile, Dennis Lawrence will sign a new three-year contract when he returns from international duty, but has been forced to take a substantial wage cut in order to stay at the Racecourse.
The player of the year, currently in his native Trinidad helping the Soca Warriors in their World Cup qualifying campaign, rejected moves from Oxford United and another unnamed club to pledge himself to the Dragons until 2007.
But the 29-year-old is unhappy that he has been forced to accept a reduction in wages, after playing the finest football in his Racecourse career last term.
Speaking from Trinidad, he said: "Money isn't anything, but I'm disappointed that my wages have been slashed, especially as I've been doing so well recently.
"But if that's what it takes to stay at a club I love, then so be it.
"I had offers from other clubs, with more money involved, but I'm settled in the area. My daughter is happy at school here and my wife loves Wrexham."
He added: "I feel that I have a fantastic rapport with the fans, who couldn't have been better to me.
"The money issue was disappointing, as was the length of time it took to tie up the deal, but that's in the past now and I'm totally focused on attempting to get Wrexham up to the First Division next season."
Last January then-chairman Mark Guterman pulled the plug on negotiations. Lawrence wanted a three-year deal but was offered only two.
Lawrence was left in limbo until managing director John Reames approached him with a new three-year deal. However, the defender faced a large cut in wages.
But his decision to sign anyway was welcomed by Wrexham boss Denis Smith, who said: "I'm delighted to keep him because I know he's had offers from clubs prepared to give him more money.
"But that's not always the be all and end all. There were a lot of things in Wrexham's favour to get him to stay. The quality of life around here is good.
"There's not much point having an extra hundred pound in your pocket each week if you're going to be as miserable as sin."

Wrexham pair eager for Warriors spot.

By; Lasana Liburd.
03-Mar-2004 - There may be a twinge of anxiety for two Wales-based footballers whenever they accept a telephone call from their homeland, Trinidad and Tobago.
Hector Sam and Dennis Lawrence, who represent England Division Two club Wrexham, tried to keep their composure behind huge smiles and nervous downward glances on Saturday evening followed the mention of the upcoming 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Lawrence, 29, and Sam, 25, told the Trinidad Express they are still excited about wearing international colours as they prepare for their second successive qualifying series.
National senior team coach, Bertille St Clair, did not request either player to join Wrexham teammate, Carlos Edwards, for last month's friendly with the "Soca Warriors" against a Brazil All-Star team.
However, Lawrence and Sam explained that they would not resist a future international call up.
"I am looking forward to (the World Cup qualifiers)," said Sam, after Wrexham's 1-1 home draw with Rushden and Diamonds. "I hope I get called up."
Lawrence, who missed the weekend match through suspension, echoed similar sentiments.
"As a Trinidadian playing outside," said the six foot seven defender, "you always want to represent your country whenever (the chance) comes."
Both players have experienced mixed fortunes at club and international level.
Sam made his senior debut under St Clair, five years ago, in a 2-0 home win over South Africa.
Sam subsequently earned a call-up from every long-term national appointee-barring Brazilian Rene Simoes and Hannibal Najjar-without ever claiming a regular spot in the team.
St Clair has already spoken to the skilful striker since he replaced Stuart Charles-Fevrier and Sam is looking forward to another call-up.
However, the former CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh and Queen's Royal College forward admitted that he was not living up to his potential.
Sam is his club's top scorer this season with six league goals but has been so erratic that even a place on the substitutes' bench cannot be taken for granted.
His performance last Saturday against Rushden and Diamonds-in which Edwards scored with a fine solo effort-was forgettable as he regularly failed to keep possession or threaten the opposing defence before being replaced in the second half.
"I did not have a really good game," said Sam, whose contract expires next season. "I wasn't in the game much and I did pick up a knock early. But I have not been as consistent as I would like.
"I just have to work harder in training."
In contrast, Lawrence has transformed himself into a hero at Wrexham after an unhappy start to his professional career when he struggled to make an impact on the pitch or with the club fans.
"I came here at 26," said Lawrence, "and, when you are accustomed to playing in a particular style for 26 years, it takes a while to settle (into something new).
"I am quite happy with my form now and I have been having a good season. I am also in the final months of my contract so I have to sort myself out."
The lanky central defender was overlooked during St Clair's first stint as senior head coach but became an international regular after Scotsman Ian Porterfield gave him his first cap.
In 2001, the transformation was complete when he was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the Copa Caribe competition, which Trinidad and Tobago won at home.
Lawrence was not among a host of Britain-based players-including his club teammates-who St Clair contacted since taking up the national post, but he has not given up yet.
"I haven't spoken to Bertille as yet," said Lawrence. He, and Sam, will be casting suspicious glances on his telephone until then, though.

Dennis Lawrence loving life at Wrexham.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
11-Nov-2003 - English-based defender Dennis Lawrence says his goalscoring exploits this season for Wrexham AFC has made him into a more complete player and in a way has helped him achieve his goals since joining the club.
The former Defence Force stopper joined Wrexham in March 2001 and with fours goals this season and a solid season at the back, he regards himself as an established first-team player and is enjoying his football more than ever.
"Goalscoring was always part of my game when I was in Trinidad and I used to get more than my fair share," he said last week "That has been missing since I came to Wrexham, but the fact I'm now getting a few has helped to prove to myself that I'm in the sort of form of which I know I'm capable."
Lawrence's current contract runs out at the end of the season but he is confident of renewing it. "I'd like to get something sorted out as soon as possible. My family are settled here and I'm delighted with the way things are at the club" said Lawrence whose club is 12th on the Second Division table.

Dennis Lawrence wants to come for Gold Cup.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
13-Feb-2003 - English-based defender Dennis Lawrence is hoping that the current impasse between members of the National team and the T&T Football Federation can be settled as he is intent of representing the country once called upon.
Lawrence said on the weekend that he will return home for duty if called for the CONCACAF Gold Cup but wants to see T&T with it's best available squad.
"When it comes to the country, my services will always be available. I want to let the people know that Trinidad and Tobago comes first," said Lawrence.
The former Defence Force player netted a 74th minute item in Wrexham's 2-0 win over Oxford United. "That was just me being at the right place at the right time and I made no mistake with the chance," he said.
According to reports from Wrexham, Lawrence has been "likened to everything from a daddy long legs to a bamboo on ice. But now he's turning into one of the more reliable players on the squad."
"I'm enjoying my football at the moment and we've been having a good run up until the defeat today against Bournemouth" said Lawrence.
Midfielder Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam have also been seeing action for Wrexham nut neither could prevent the team from going down 2-0 to Bournemouth on the weekend. Wrexham are 10th on the English Third Division table with 45 points.
T&T's qualifying dates form March 26-29 should pose little problems in getting either Lawrence, Sam or Edwards released from the Welsh club as it falls on an international weekend with Wales facing Azerbaijan on March 29 and Yugoslavia the following Wednesday.

Dennis and Hector reflect while home for holidays.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
14-May-2002 - Local defender Dennis "Tallest" Lawrence has set his aims on having a good start to next season as he seeks to help Wrexham climb back into the English Second Division.
The former Defence Force player is currently back home for holidays following the end of the English Second Division campaign in which Wrexham were relegated.
"Generally it was a good experience. We had spells during the seasons when some players were out of form and were relegated. We had our ups and downs. Coming down to the end is when things started going good for me. It was my first full season in England and now I am looking forward to going and having a better one and help Wrexham get back into the Second Division," said Lawrence, who has another two years on contract at the club.
Lawrence, despite being sidelines from international action since last June , still has a desire to play for the "Soca Warriors". "I always have that ambition to play for my country. I only reside in the UK and play club football there but I still belong to Trinidad and Tobago. I am always willing to give 110 percent whenever time that may be again."
Also back home on holidays is English-based striker Hector Sam who is anticipating the new English season. He could be in for a tough campaign having to be at the top of his form to help Wrexham back into the Second Division. However, if the opportunity is there to play elsewhere, then the former CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh player will strongly consider a move.
"Things have been going well but the club went down and this has been very disappointing for us. We started off badly and we ended up badly. We do have a good team and once we have the confidence then we should be able to work ourselves back up. I'm looking forward to playing well and hopefully get a new contract.
"My agent is working that. If things don't go to plan at Wrexham, then I could look into moving to another club and getting a new three-year deal. It's always great being with Carlos Edwards and Dennis because we live on the same street and we eat and do other stuff together. It's like having family there with you," said Sam, who has one year left at Wrexham.
Lawrence explained that the running wasn't all that smooth for Wrexham.
"We went through a transition period with a new coach and then had a few new players coming in. Basically we are now starting to get cohesion in the team which should be good for next season. It's a good club and they treat us well and I think once we can work hard as a team we should do well next season.
"Hector, Carlos and myself have been doing okay at the club. We are well treated there by management and the fans like us. Yesterday we had Stern John doing well and making it to the Premiership. We are keeping a good image in England and I think we are representing the country well. We are no longer just depending on Dwight Yorke to do well on the map but we have loads of players who can do this also. It's only a matter of time before we have more players from here doing well in the UK," Lawrence said while making a stop at the TTFF Media Centre, Port of Spain.
He still hopes to see TnT doing well on the world stage.
"We don't want the same thing that has been happening in the past to happen again which is when a qualifying campaign is over we just let it pass and forget everything that happened and then just start over again when it's coming close to the next campaign. We have to get the team together from now in time for 2006. I don't know about anyone else but I still want to see Trinidad and Tobago in the World Cup whether I am involved or looking on from the side.
Lawrence commented on the issue regarding his non-appearance for the "Soca Warriors" since last June.
"Being a professional now I understand professionalism a bit more. I may not know as much as the current national coach but to go publicly and say things like that, I felt that was dropping the standards of the Wrexham coach and the coach here before who saw something good in us. I was pretty hurt at the time. It wasn't said in my face. He (Rene Simoes) has his reasons and I don't have anything personal against him for what he said. We have represented the country in the past and we still want to play again," said Lawrence.
Sam a few moments later shared his feelings on the scenes at Wrexham.
"Things have been going well but the club went down and this has been very disappointing for us. We started off badly and we ended up badly. We do have a good team and once we have the confidence then we should be able to work ourselves back up. I'm looking forward to playing well and hopefully get a new contract."
The former Queen's Royal College player is not counting out the possibility of joining a new club.
"My agent, Mike Berry, is working that. If things don't go to plan at Wrexham, then I could look into moving to another club and getting a new three-year deal. It's always great being with them because we live on the same street and we eat and do other stuff together. It's like having family there with you."
Both players also commented on the impact of other T&T English-based players, giving their thoughts on the situation regarding Dwight Yorke's future.
"We are always in contact with Shaka, Clayton, Ronnie Mauge and the guys in Scotland like Marvin and Lyndon Andrews," said Lawrence.
"It's up to Dwight to decide what he wants to do," said Lawrence. And Sam added "If the club don't want him then they don't want him, you have to move on."

Rene Simoes states: 'Lawrence and Edwards not talented enough'.

By Kwame Williams.
19-Feb-2002 - Rene simoes, Trinidad and Tobago's national football coach, said defender Dennis Lawrence and midfielder Carlos Edwards are not talented enough to play for him.
Simoes, who is also T&T technical director was responding to the comments made by football agent Mike Berry, who is calling on Simoes to give Hector Sam, Clayton Ince, Lawrence and Edwards an opportunity to represent their country.
Simoes, who took over the national team from Scottish Coach Ian Porterfeild in June said that Lawrence and Edwards never impressed him and this is why they were not selected for his Gold Cup squad.
"It is my decision as coach to pick who I think should play. I saw Dennis Lawrence and Carlos Edwards in action when the team was being coached by Porterfield and frankly I was not impressed by their performances," said Simoes.
"Where age issue is concerned, I told everyone that after the Gold Cup I will be looking at the younger players with respect to qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Although Dennis is younger than Reynold Carrington, who is over 30, I find Reynold to be the better defender," Simoes added.
"The players I select are the ones that suit my style of coaching and play. These agents have their own agendas to see about so it is only natural that he (Mike Berry) would be displeased if his clients are not selected," he went on to say.
Clayton Ince, who was on the Gold Cup roster but did not get to play, was also disappointed by Simoes' choice to start Shaka Hislop instead of himself, but all Simoes had to say about that was, "I think Shaka is the better goalie."
Simoes admits that he has only seen Hector Sam on highlight tapes but said he has already told Sam that he would be invited for any friendly games that Trinidad and Tobago will be playing.

Dennis Lawrence hits his second league goal of his Wrexham career.

By: fleX.
09-Feb-2002 - Goals from Craig Faulconbridge and Dennis Lawrence were enough to give Wrexham a 2-0 victory over Wigan at The Racecourse Ground yesterday afternoon.
Wrexham extended their unbeaten run to four games after scoring two goals from set-pieces.
Faulconbridge's opener on 19 minutes was against the run of play but allowed The Dragons a chance to build, culminating in a second goal for Dennis Lawrence, the T&T defender hit a close-range drive from an Andrew Thomas free-kick in the 67th minute, and also claiming the Man of the Match award for Wrexham.
Both Hector Sam and Dennis Lawerence started for Wrexham while Carlos Edwards was introduce as a sub for his fellow Country man Sam in the 58th minutes of the game, after the match Wrexham boss Dennis Smith said, 'Possibly that should have been four wins in a row, but at least we kept a cleansheet and big Dennis Lawerence is getting better with each game, The big man is a threat at set plays, as you don't know where it's going to hit him.
"He's getting better, but it's been hard for him. They play the game differently where he comes from, they don't head as much, they don't squeeze as much as we do and there are a lot of things that are different. But the one thing is that he wants to learn and wants to listen, and it's coming for him.
"I can hear him talking and organising now, because when I first came here he didn't know what to say. He might not be Franz Beckenbaur, but he's very effective and his attitude is good, which is pleasing." I thought we deserved the win, but it was a tight one.

Wrexham boss Bryan Flynn has indicated that he intends to use Trinidad and Tobago defender, Dennis Lawrence, more in attacking set plays in an attempt to get more offence from the towering defender.