Lawrence installed as favourite to take over at Wrexham
DENNIS Lawrence has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to be installed as the next permanent Wrexham manager.
The former Dragons 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.
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.
Currently in charge of his native Trinidad and Tobago, the 44-year-old 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.
Club officials have assured fans that they will move swiftly to fill the managerial vacancy, with a slew of other potential candidates available at longers odds.
A statement issued following Ricketts’ exit said: “Wrexham AFC are in a strong position after 22 league games of the 2018-19 season. We would like to thank Sam for his efforts and for the work he did while at the football club.
“We are fully focused on further improving upon this situation going forward.
“Wrexham AFC have already begun the process to appoint Sam’s successor with Graham Barrow taking charge of the first team on an interim basis.
“We will make further announcements regarding this matter as soon as possible.”
As for Ricketts, he said he will keep the backroom team he has inherited at the Shropshire club, saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’
He is happy to rely on Danny Coyne and Eric Ramsay, who won five of their six matches in caretaker charge after John Askey’s sacking on 12 November.
“I know them. They know me. We get on really well,” the 37-year-old former Wrexham boss told BBC Shropshire. “The current staff we already have here are a big part of my plans.”
He continued: “If something’s not broken, you don’t fix it. Danny Coyne and Eric Ramsay have done a great job and I will be looking to lean on them and use their experience.”
Ricketts will take charge of his first game at home to Walsall in the Checkatrade Trophy tpnight, which pits him against his predecessor as Wrexham boss Dean Keates.