Former Football League Trophy winner with Wrexham, Dennis Lawrence, has now joined Championship side West Bromwich Albion as assistant coach.
The much-anticipated 4th round FA Cup draw is out, with clubs getting a glimpse of what this Valentine’s Day holds for them. Sweet or heartbreaking one, it depends, but the highlight of the draw has been Macclesfield FC.
Fairly so, as after producing the biggest Cupset in over 100 years, the Non-League side is drawn against another PL side next. While another turnaround is dubious, Macclesfield has earned a reputation for ages.
Having jumped multiple divisions in the last few seasons, few can better appreciate Macclesfield’s struggle than Wrexham fans. To know that the Dragons played a part in the 6th-tier club’s FA Cup win just comes as icing on the cake.
Many may have missed, but Macclesfield boss John Rooney has been a Wrexham hero. Despite just a short spell, Rooney had impressive figures of 16 goal contributions in just 33 games here.
Now, to witness the 35-year-old doing wonders in his managerial spell comes as pure bliss for Wrexham. Having achieved multiple promotions in his time at Macclesfield, Rooney may line up against Wrexham one day.
While John Rooney and Wrexham crossing paths remains a future possibility, this is the near destiny of another Dragons icon. He’s none other than EFL Trophy winner, Dennis Lawrence.
Lawrence joins as assistant manager of West Bromwich Albion
To note, ex-West Brom boss Ryan Mason had entered the festive period on borrowed time. Ultimately, after a series of poor performances, the management pulled the curtain on Mason’s managerial tenure last week.
With the new in, Eric Ramsay, a new era is set to begin at the Baggies club now. What this also does is kick off a rivalry between Wrexham and West Brom as Dragons’ legend Dennis Lawrence joins in as Ramsay’s assistant.
Recently, BBC Sport Wales confirmed the appointment of Lawrence, saying: “Eric Ramsay’s backroom staff at West Bromwich Albion will include former Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence.”
For the majority of Wrexham fans, this update might come as a surprise, seeing a club legend with close to 200 appearances faring in another Championship dugout. Especially, given how Lawrence remains one of the very distinguished in the club’s history to leave felicitated with a trophy.
Still, Dennis Lawrence’s history as Ramsay’s long-trusted man supports what’s happened. Even in his playing time, Lawrence made a direct switch to Wrexham’s Welsh rivals Swansea, saying how such off-field clashes hardly affect him professionally.
When will Wrexham meet club icon Lawrence next?
With Wrexham and West Brom still active in the FA Cup, a meeting in the 5th or the next rounds is very much possible. Even if that doesn’t happen, the two sides are destined to meet at least once this season in April.
Coming on the back of the March International break, Wrexham would want to avenge West Brom for the earlier league defeat this season. While it remains to be seen if it goes through, the battle would be a heated one with Lawrence’s availability in the opposition camp.
Even if ignoring Dennis Lawrence’s factor, the Championship stretch beginning from April is intended to be a tough one for Wrexham. With limited games available and a promotion to fight for, the Dragons would want to give everything on the field.
On the flip side, West Brom would have more to win than to lose. While a managerial change can improve their scenario, the Baggies would likely enter the Wrexham clash as carefree opponents.
That makes a win even more vital for Wrexham to carry on their promotion charge ahead. It remains to be seen how the game unfolds, but firecrackers are definitely expected as Wrexham and Dennis Lawrence meet again.
