Sam blow leaves Vale looking for attacking options.

By James Robson.
25-Aug-2005 - Port Vale striker Hector Sam could be out for up to three months after it was confirmed he broke his leg in Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat at Rotherham. The Trinidad and Tobago international is still awaiting confirmation of how long he will be sidelined, but it looks certain he will miss the next two months at least.
Vale manager Martin Foyle bemoaned Sam's luck after only just getting back to match fitness following an injury in pre-season.
The latest blow leaves Foyle short on attacking options, with Lee Matthews still not considered ready to start a match.
The Vale boss said: "He's definitely got a crack in the bone, but it's hard to guess how long he'll be out. We should have more of an idea when it's looked over again.
"But we are looking like eight weeks plus.
"It's a massive blow for him and me because he did well in pre-season, but got an injury at the wrong time. Then he gets back to a position where he's pushing for a place in the team and this happens."
Foyle spent yesterday trying to secure some loan signings before the weekend, but as yet has been rebuffed in his approaches.
But he revealed he has received the backing of the board to strengthen his squad after injuries this week to Sam Collins, Mark Innes, George Abbey and Mickey Bell.
Foyle said: "I've got no problem with the board, it's getting people who want to come and play that's difficult. I've got players in mind, but it's a bank holiday and clubs don't want to let them go. "A lot of clubs have got small squads this season."

Hector Sam signs on the dotted line for Port Vale.

Port Vale FC.
29-Jun-2005 - Martin Foyle finally got his man, when Hector Sam put and end to days of 'will he, won't he' by signing a twelve month contract at Vale Park late on Wednesday afternoon.
The player was at the club on Friday for a look around the place, liked what he saw and the club had hoped to announce his capture at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
The press conference was cencelled late on, when the player understandably asked for a little more time to chew things over, before making his final decision and he put pen to paper this afternoon.
Sam joined Wrexham from Port of Spain side, San Juan Jabloteh, for a reported £125,000 fee in the summer of 2000 and went on to make 93 starts for the Welsh outfit.
Dean Glover said: "We are excited about it. Obviously we are disappointed to have lost Dave Hibbert, but that is out of our hands.
"We have accepted that he has gone, but we couldn't have got a better replacement than Hector. He is an experienced lad with an old head and he has got an eye for goal.
"He has pace and is quick off the mark, he has a good footballing brain and he is very tricky around the penalty box, which is what we need.
"We need that little bit of pace and danger, where sometimes even Hector Sam doesn't know what he's going to do, but he's got a great eye for goal and his record speaks for itself.
"He has had offers from other clubs and myself and Martin have had to try to sell the club the best we can. At the end of the day, we can just be honest with him.
"We told him the situation with the squad. With him signing, we've got four very good strikers on the books now and at the end of the day, whoever performs the best will get the chance.
"We've got four good lads, we've got big Billy (Paynter), Nathan Lowndes, Lee Matthews and obviously Hector.
"Hector can play as a wide man, which is another notch on his belt really, because again, it gives us another dimension.
"With the way Chris Birchall has been used over the summer holidays with Trinadad and Tobago, we are hoping Chris will come back and give us what he's got, but now he has got competition for his place in that wide right position.
"He's been having an excellent summer with his country and we are hoping he doesn't come back too tired.
"But that is what we have looked at over the last couple of seasons now, because when you haven't got a massive budget, you have got to look at players who can play in numerous positions.
"We have looked at that with Hector and thankfully he can do that and he has got that eye for goal, which is more important for us because when you look at our record for last season, we didn't score a lot of goals.
"We are quietly confident though, because I don't think we can go through what we went through last year - I don't think we deserve that as a club. I just hope we don't get the injuries that we got last year.
"We have got a strong squad now and in a sense it is an experienced one. We have young boys such as Chris Birchall and Billy Paynter, but now we have a squad where you have got to say, all nineteen signed so far can play in that first team.
"Without a doubt there will be more signings, we are desperate for a left back, so hopefully we can get that position filled by the end of the week.
"We are fairly confident, but you never know what can happen, but I think that come the end of the week, we'll have the squad that we wanted. "The players are back in training later this week and we are looking forward to that.
Sam certainly started his Wrexham career on a high note, scoring in a friendly against Sheffield Wednesday in his first outing in a red shirt and then following that with six goals in his first seven competitive games.
Before long he was called up into the Trinadad & Tobago national side for their World Cup games against Mexico and Panama. A loss of form followed, but he was soon back to his best and signed a new contract in 2003.
Back in November he came of the bench to score a crucial goal to send the national team through to the qualifying stages of the World Cup in Germany this year.
Ironically, Sam will not be joining new team-mate Chris Birchall in the 'Soca Warriors' squad for their Gold Cup games to be played in July after Leo Beenhakker decided against calling him up for the 23-man squad. Hector Sam immediately set his sights on winning back his place in the Trinidad & Tobago national side.
He told the official website: "I am very happy to be here. I've been told some great things about the club so I am just happy to be here and ready to play.
"Things have been held up a bit over the last few days, but it has been worth the wait and as I said before, it's a great club and I can't wait for the season to kick in again.
"I feel I can offer something different and hopefully I can get a few goals. The Gaffer told me that Vale lost a lot of games 1-0 last season, so I am hoping I can make a difference and score some goals. "Hopefully I can rekindle my international career too. I am looking forward to playing alongside Chris Birchall - he's a great lad and I just can't wait."

Port Vale targets striker Hector Sam.

By: Michael Baggaley.
27-Jun-2005 - Wrexham's out-of-contract forward Hector Sam is understood to be among Port Vale's list of targets. The Valiants, who are in the market for a striker, were also expecting a decision from a left-back this morning - but could miss out as the player has been offered a longer contract from a lower-division club. Vale boss Martin Foyle refused to confirm Sam was on his hit-list, but added: "There are a few players I have enquired about.
"I hope to hear from one player definitely today, but the other one drag on into pre-season.
"The left-back has had a better offer from a lower-division club, but I am hoping the lure of League One football will count in our favour."
Midfielder Mark Innes also turned down more money at a League Two side to sign for the Valiants.
But Foyle is taking nothing for granted, having already missed out on two left-backs.
Sam is a Trinidad and Tobago team-mate of Vale winger Chris Birchall and is available on a free transfer while he considers Wrexham's offer of a new deal.
The 27-year-old struggled to nail down a regular place in Denis Smith's staring line-up last season, but scored 12 goals in 23 starts and 24 substitute appearances.
He was squeezed out by the success of Wrexham's Spanish striker Juan Ugarte, but the Welsh side are keen to keep him as Ugarte looks like moving on and Chris Armstrong has been released.
Signing Sam would also allow Foyle to postpone games which clashed with international weekends. In Sam, Birchall and Nigeria's George Abbey he would have the three players required under FIFA rules.

Hector Sam hungry for goals.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
30-Mar-2005 - He’s been in good form of late for Wrexham in the English League Two and now he’s eager to get his name among the scorers for this country in World Cup action.
Hector Sam was a second half replacement for Leslie Fitzpatrick against Guatemala but was unable to have any impact on the scoreline. Now he’s desperate to hit the old onion bag.
“I’m just pumped up to get something in the net for my country. My last goal was against St Vincent last year and I haven’t done much more than that for some time and now is when it really matters. Hopefully we can all get it right on the day,” Sam said.
With Wrexham struggling to avoid relegation, Sam, Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence may just well be playing their football elsewhere if the opportunity arises. Edwards looks more likely to move up to a higher ranked club but Sam is also hoping for a good call.
“It’s been well documented that Wrexham have been struggling especially with the administration situation but we’ll see how it goes from here. You always aim to play at a high ranked club and hopefully something will fall in our favour,” Sam said.

Sam lifts Wrexham spirits.

By: Lasana Liburd - Trinidad Express.
13-Mar-2005 - Visiting Trinidad and Tobago national team coach Bertille St Clair and manager Richard Braithwaite opted to travel to Coventry City yesterday to see star striker Stern John score in a 1-1 League Championship draw with Watford.
Their decision to stop in the Midlands may have been prompted by a desire for a centralised location from which they would meet the country's overseas professionals who were employed in west, central and north England last night.  Pity they did not visit Wales, though.
It is debatable whether they could have learnt anything new about John from his weekend
Championship outing but there was surely food for thought at Wrexham where three Trinidad and Tobago internationals were used by the relegation-threatened League One club.  Hector Sam, for one, would have taken them to the edge of their seats.
The ex-CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh attacker gave another indication of his offensive threat with a sparkling performance off the substitute's bench as Wrexham grabbed a last-gasp winner to edge Oldham 1-0 at the Racecourse ground. It would have invoked fond memories for St Clair.
Sam scored an equally crucial goal against St Vincent and the Grenadines in a World Cup qualifier last October when T&T rebounded from a goal down to win 2-1. Sam made his first appearance of the qualifying campaign in that match and was not used since.
It has been a frustrating season for the tricky player but moments like yesterday's can go a long way towards compensating. "I think that is the most important goal I have ever scored," Sam told the Sunday Express. "It drags a few more teams into (the relegation battle). Now all we need is a five-game winning spree and I think we will stay up."
Whether Wrexham-in 22nd place, at present-can beat the drop is another matter entirely and they rode their luck at times against a well-organised Oldham outfit. Apart from the T&T trio, only two Wrexham players may be deemed of sufficient quality to merit a starting place at local Pro League team, Jabloteh. No surprise then that six foot seven central defender Dennis Lawrence might be the only Caribbean face at the Welsh club next season.
Sam and Carlos Edwards are out of contract this summer and their agent, Mike Berry, insisted that there were several suitors. Edwards, in particular, is a target for higher division clubs and there were representatives from English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers and League Championship outfit Sheffield United at yesterday's match.
The former Defence Force midfielder offered glimpses of his potential as an attacking right wing back with the odd teasing run and delivery and looked Wrexham's classiest player in possession. Wrexham manager Denis Smith's problem, though, was getting the ball to him regularly in dangerous positions. His Oldham counterpart, Ronnie Moore, was awake to the threat and countered effectively with a 4-5-1 system to Smith's 3-5-2.
The visitors used veteran midfielder David Eyres as an orthodox left-winger to stunt Edwards' offensive ambition while he was routinely double marked when he ventured into the opposing half. Only a close offside decision denied Moore early dividends as Eyres appeared unmarked in the Wrexham six-yard box to tap home from a right side cross in the 17th minute. Perhaps justice was served, in a perverse way, when Wrexham striker Juan Ugarte was also harshly ruled offside after he successfully followed up on a shot from strike partner Chris Llewelyn.
It was the only indication of Ugarte's menace on the day. He spent the rest of the afternoon impersonating a clown on a banana peel and was replaced by Sam in the 64th minute. Wrexham should have been a goal down by then as Lawrence lost possession trying to usher the ball over the goal line and it took a desperate clearance from sweeper Craig Morgan to thwart Eyres' goalbound shot.
Sam's entrance changed the balance of play. His strength, turn of pace and willingness to commit defenders immediately troubled Oldham and he created two plausible opportunities for his teammates before he snatched the winner himself. Lawrence had pushed into a forward position and headed on a long punt upfield to another substitute, Scott Green, and Sam met the resulting cross with a stooping header at the edge of the six-yard box for the game's only goal. It might be remembered as a pivotal moment for the "Red Dragons". St Clair would have been proud.

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.

Wrexham today gave striker Hector Sam a big boost.

The Evening Leader.
23-Sept-2003 - It came from assistant-manager Kevin Russell who said:” I think Hector’s got a big future at this club – but it’s up to him. We all know what hector is capable of but he has to do it more consistently.”
Sam, 25. tends to do better when he comes on as substitute than when he starts, but the tricky Trinidadian international is keen to nail down a regular first team place.
Russell said:” I think it’s fair comment about him tending to do better when he comes on as a sub, but perhaps that also emphasises my point. If he did it more often, he’d be in the side from the start. But, to be fair to the team all round, I don’t think we are that far away. At the moment a lot of things are being blown out of context simply because we have not got the results our performances have deserved.
“People should look more at the whole picture rather than just a fragment of it. At the beginning of the season we did not play all that well – but we were winning. Now, we’re starting to put in some decent performances we’re not winning those games, but it’ll even itself out.”
Russell stood in today for manager Denis Smith, who has a chest infection. He and chief scout, Brian Prandle will tonight run the rule over Tranmere rovers who are Wrexham’s next opponents at Prenton Park on Saturday. Rovers are at home tonight against Nottingham Forest in the Carling Cup second round.
They have not won a league game since the opening game of the season but Russell expects a difficult derby.
He said:” I wouldn’t expect Tranmere to struggle this season and we always have hard games up there. There can’t be too many changes in our side from the one on duty against Plymouth on Saturday and we could really do with getting something out of it.”
The restless Sam could find himself on the bench again is Smith sticks with Lee Jones and Frenchman Armand One up front. He brought on Sam for One at the start of the second-half and within a minute he set up Jones. Chris Llewellyn is expected to continue in his deeper role, just behind the front two.
Russell said:” No, I don’t accept Chris isn’t a striker. I think Chris is a footballer who can play anywhere you virtually ask him to. He can cope with it, but then again we’ve got to make allowances for the lad. He’s still trying to settle in over here. He’s still living in a hotel and once he gets his own house I think that will help him. We’re only eight games into the season so there’s a long way to go yet. We feel reasonably good about the way things are going because, as I say, we’re creating chances and overall performances are quite good. We’re still only four points or so off the play-off positions and all we really need is a good, sustained run to get up there among the leading clubs.”

Hector Sam's serious about proving critics wrong.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
13-Jul-2003 - Trinidad and Tobago striker Hector Sam says he's going to prove his critics wrong this season and is keen to force his way back among the leading strikers at Wrexham.
The former Queen's Royal College player expressed these sentiments after being placed on the transfer list by Wrexham coach Denis Smith, a couple months after signing a new two-year deal.
Sam said he was hurt by Smith's sudden decision.
"It did hurt yes. I could not understand the logic behind the manager's thinking. One minute he gave me a two-year contract and then I'm put on the transfer list.
"But to be honest, all it has done is to make me even more determined to prove people wrong once the new season begins. The manager has brought in two new strikers and from what I'm told and what I read, they're both very good players," Sam told the Wrexham Evening Leader.
"It means I have to work a bit harder to get into the team - and stay there," he added. "I've been working hard throughout the summer and I'm really determined to do well this time. Last season wasn't the best for me. I got injuries and had a hernia operation but those are behind me now.
Sam played in two Trinidad and Tobago's three senior internationals in Africa last month, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Kenya and also lining up in the 2-1 loss to South Africa. He also went close to finding the net when his effort crashed off the wood work in a 2-2 draw with Venezuela at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain. His Wrexham teammates Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence also featured in this clash.
Smith agreed that this coming season is a vital one for "Sammy".
"Hector's right. It's a big season for him. It's a big season for everyone. Hector's got ability, there's no doubting that. But what he's got to do is break into the team and show me he's good enough to break into the side. There were times when he broke into the side last season and did well for me. The talent and ability is there but he's got to show it more consistently," said Smith.
"He's now playing more international games and hopefully that will do his confidence good. But no one is saying that it's going to be easy for anyone next season.
Smith mentioned that one of Sam's strongpoint is taking penalties and with last season's topscorer Andy Morrell gone to Coventry City, the player is likely to force his way into the action hopefully on a regular basis. "Hector as I say, has got the ability to excite the fans and me. He's also capable of driving you up the wall."

Wrexham boss hails Hector Sam.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
15-Apr-2003 - He made a return from injury with a goal which was described by BBC Wales commentary team as one of the classiest of the season. Hector Sam, following a five-week lay off with a hamstring injury was a second half substitute and netted a 90th minute item in Wrexham’s 4-0 win over RHYL FC in the Welsh Cup semi-final last Monday.
Wrexham boss Denis Smith mentioned afterwards that he’s hopeful that the former Jabloteh marksman maintains proper fitness in order to keep his form going.
“Hector hasn’t gotten as much opportunities as he would have liked. He’s picked up a few hamstring injuries but we saw what he could do tonight with some great turns and flashes and he took his goal superbly,” said Smith, who also had good comments to make about defender Dennis Lawrence. “Big Dennis has just got better and better as the season has gone on and now he’s being consistent and is very much full of himself. I’m pleased because his attitude has been professional and he has been a model professional since I’ve been hereGenerally I’m very pleased with the three of them including Carlos (Edwards),” said Smith.
Sam himself was pleased with his return and now anticipates a chance to play for the T&T National Team.
“I’m feeling a bit confident but I need to work myself back to full fitness. I will be making every effort to get some more practice in during the Reserve Games. National duty is important because it’s your country. I’ll be there once called upon,’ said Sam.

Hector Sam and Carlos Edwards gets new work permits.

Wrexham Football Club.
6-Mar-2003 - Welch top football club Wrexham recieved some good news this week as both Hector Sam and Carlos Edwards have been granted new work permits.
The club was represented at this morning’s panel hearing in Preston by David Rhodes, Denis Smith and Joey Jones, when a nine-man committee considered our request for an extension to their present permits.
The panel was made up of three members from the football industry, three from the Government departments concerned, plus one each from the Football League, FAW and the PFA.
After the hearing the panel congratulated the club on presenting such a well laid out case and promised us an answer with in a few hours.
Sure enough, late this afternoon a phonecall confirmed that both Hector and Carlos had been granted a two-year extension.
“I’m relieved that the hearing came down on our side,” said Denis Smith. “As both players have made a good contribution to the club since their arrival and we would like to think that they will continue to do so in the years ahead.

Hector Sam presents Smith with selection problem.

Ananova Sports.
25-Aug-2002 - Wrexham boss Denis Smith admits Trinidad and Tobago striker Hector Sam has presented him with a selection poser for the home clash with Rochdale.
Sam came off the bench to score the winning goal in a 1-0 win at Macclesfield on Saturday, and Smith was impressed by his performance.
He said: "Hector's been unlucky not to get in the starting line-up and has only been out of the side because Trundle has been in such fine form. However, he's always likely to do something like that from the bench."
Lee Jones is again doubtful as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury, but Darren Ferguson should continue in midfield after overcoming an Achilles problem".

Hector Sam on fire for 'Red Dragons'.

Written By: Shaun Fuentes.
25-July-2002 - English based striker Hector Sam is running red hot at the moment.
The former National Under 23 hitman has scored six goals in four preseason matches for Third Division club Wrexham and has led them to the final of the annual Isle of Man tournament this Saturday against Darlington FC.
Relating the news was Mike Berry, agent for the Wrexham trio of Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards and Sam.
In Sunday's match against Burnley, Sam netted a double in a 3-3 regulation time tie before Burnley came away 4-3 winners on penalty kicks. Sam converted his kick but former TnT international, Ian Cox, who played in the game, had the last laugh with his teammates.
Then on Monday Sam turned up the heat again with a double including the winner in a 3-2 victory over Luton Town. Edwards also Wrexham's second item which was the equalizer at that stage. Sam's winner was a header at the near post.
Lawrence, who has captained the Wrexham team in a couple preseason encounters, also reportedly enjoyed solid performances at the back for the "Red Dragons" during the current tournament.
"These Trini boys have been going guns in preseason for Wrexham and the fans are loving them. Hector in particular has showed great form for the club and hopefully they can all carry this type of form into the season," said Berry.

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."