PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago captain, Carlos Edwards, has hailed the appointment of former national teammate Dennis Lawrence as men’s senior team head coach.
The 42-year-old Lawrence was announced by the T&T Football Association on Saturday to fill the post left vacant by the resignation of Belgian Tom Saintfiet.
“I think it’s a really good decision. His passion and commitment to the game is second to none. From the time he started accumulating his coaching badges, he dedicated everything to himself and his development in order to fulfil his ambitions,’ said Edwards, who along with Lawrence were members of the T&T side which made history by qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Trinidad and Tobago winger, Carlos Edwards.
“I think this opportunity now is the best thing for Dennis and the country on a whole.
“He will always be the man who played a critical role in taking us to the 2006 World Cup with his efforts throughout the campaign and the goal against Bahrain and now with his experience and being in the Premiership has made him into a better coach, rubbing shoulders with the best coaches and players in the world.”
Lawrence played 89 times for T&T and is best remembered for the goal against Bahrain in a two-legged qualifier which saw the country clinch their spot at the World Cup for the first time.
He spent several seasons at Welsh side Wrexham where he played alongside Edwards, and also turned out for Swansea City and Crewe Alexandra.
Edwards, who also played with Lawrence at local side Defence Force, said his former teammate possessed the qualities needed to be successful in his new post.
“Dennis is a very smart guy when it comes to the game and it’s different to just playing the game but also knowing the game and studying it,” said Edwards, who was recently recalled to the national side at age 38.
“He has the sixth sense about the game and his leadership will be valuable. Obviously he will have his own methods of coaching and dealing with the players.
“From his days at Defence Force where we played together, you could see something special in him and his desire to coach at the highest level and he has maintained that passion past his playing days.”Bottom of Form.
