Big Den joins Crewe
swanseacity.net
Swansea City defender Dennis Lawrence has today completed a three-month loan move to League One side Crewe Alexandra.
The Trinidad & Tobago international will join the Gresty Road outfit until the end of December, although the Swans can recall him after 28 days if required.
Lawrence, an ever-present member of last season's title-winning squad, has been unable to force his way into Swansea's Championship side so far this campaign.
Having made just one appearance so far this season, in the Carling Cup against Brentford, Swans boss Roberto Martinez was keen for the 34 year old to get some games under his belt.
The 6ft 7in giant signed for the Swans from Wrexham on August 16, 2006, on a two-year contract which was extended for another year.
Big Den said: "This is a massive opportunity for me to get some games and to help Crewe Alexandra get results that the team deserves. Hopefully I can build a platform while I am here too.
"I have a lot of ambition and hunger to do well so I will go out there in every game and give it 110 per cent. I'm not here to have a holiday; I am here to do well for myself and for the team.
"I know that Crewe are a much better team than the table shows and they have a good mixture of youth and experience here. Hopefully my experience can add to that as well.
"I have seen a few of the boys this morning and they are all ready to go and willing to learn, so it is going to a great experience for us all. But for now I just can't wait to get started."
Steve On Lawrence Capture
crewealex.net
Steve Holland has expressed his delight in securing the services of experienced centre half Dennis Lawrence.
Steve has admitted over previous weeks that he wanted some competition for the places across the back four as he has in other area's of the pitch, and with the board allowing Steve some finances to bring the right man in, he identified Lawrence and as they say the rest is history.
Roberto Martinez, Manager at Swansea, was keen to keep his influential defender in South Wales but with Dennis eager to play he granted him permission to come up to South Cheshire and Steve could not be happier.
Steve told crewealex.net: "We are really pleased to have Dennis here, he is a very experienced player and played a big part for Swansea when they got promoted last year - captaining the side on occasions. He gives us a real presence in both boxes and as I said has a lot of experience behind him too.
"We said that our priority was a centre-half and the board have been a great help in bringing Dennis in. They have always been 100% supportive.
"We identified Dennis, he fit the profile we were looking for. We could have borrowed a younger player but the experience of Dennis will be a great help on the pitch I think. He has leadership qualities, is he obviously very tall, athletic and composed and assured on the ball. He has been unfortunate not to have played so much this year, but we are delighted to have him here."
Due to the lack of appearances so far this season Steve says that they will need to address his fitness but sees no issue as he comes into contention for the weekend visit of Northampton.