Dennis Lawrence facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Dennis William Lawrence | ||
| Date of birth | 1 August 1974 | ||
| Place of birth | Morvant, Trinidad and Tobago | ||
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre-back | ||
| Team information | |||
|
Current team
|
Minnesota United (assistant coach) | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1992–1993 | Barataria Ball Players | ||
| 1993–1998 | Caledonia AIA | ||
| 1999–2000 | Defence Force | ||
| 2001–2006 | Wrexham | 198 | (14) |
| 2006–2009 | Swansea City | 84 | (7) |
| 2008–2009 | → Crewe Alexandra (loan) | 28 | (3) |
| 2009–2010 | San Juan Jabloteh | 7 | (1) |
| Total | 317 | (25) | |
| International career | |||
| 2000–2010 | Trinidad and Tobago | 89 | (5) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2017–2019 | Trinidad and Tobago | ||
| 2021–2024 | Coventry City (first-team coach) | ||
| 2024– | Minnesota United (assistant coach) | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Dennis William Lawrence (born 1 August 1974) is a former professional footballer from Trinidad and Tobago. He is currently an assistant coach at Minnesota United. Dennis Lawrence also managed the Trinidad and Tobago national team from 2017 to 2019.
Before becoming a coach, he had a great playing career. He played for teams in England, Wales, and Trinidad and Tobago. He helped his country win the Caribbean Cup. He also won several cup competitions with Wrexham and a league title with Swansea City. Later, as a coach, he became the first Trinidadian to win the FA Cup.
Contents
Playing Career Highlights
Dennis Lawrence started his journey in football in Trinidad and Tobago. Before becoming a professional player, he worked at a supermarket. He later joined the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. This allowed him to play for their football team, Defence Force.
Time at Wrexham
In 2001, Dennis Lawrence moved to Wales to play for Wrexham. He joined two other Trinidadian players there. At first, he had some tough games. But he soon became a very important player for the club.
He won the Player of the Season award in 2003–04. He also made history as the first Wrexham player to play in a World Cup. He played in all three of his country's games in that tournament.
Moving to Swansea City
On 16 August 2006, Dennis Lawrence joined Swansea City. He made a strong start, winning the Man of the Match award in his first game. He played for Swansea for two years.
During his time at Swansea, he also had a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra. He returned to Swansea after his loan ended. In 2008, Swansea City won the Football League One title.
Return to Trinidad
After leaving Swansea City, Dennis Lawrence went back to Trinidad. In September 2009, he signed to play for San Juan Jabloteh. He later trained with his old club, Wrexham, in 2010.
International Football for Trinidad and Tobago
Dennis Lawrence was a key player for the Trinidad and Tobago national team. He made his first appearance for the team on 18 March 2000. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2001 Caribbean Cup. Trinidad and Tobago won that tournament.
World Cup Qualification Goal
On 16 November 2005, Dennis Lawrence scored a very important goal. This goal was against Bahrain. It helped Trinidad and Tobago qualify for the 2006 World Cup. This was a huge moment for his country!
In the 2006 World Cup in Germany, he played every minute of his country's games. Trinidad and Tobago had an impressive 0–0 draw against Sweden. They also played a tough game against England.
Dennis Lawrence also helped recruit Chris Birchall to play for Trinidad and Tobago. Chris's mother was born there. After the team did not qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Dennis Lawrence retired from international football. He had played 89 games for his country.
Coaching Career
After his playing career, Dennis Lawrence became a football coach.
Coaching in England
In October 2010, he joined Wigan Athletic as a coach. He worked with manager Roberto Martinez. When Martinez moved to Everton, Dennis Lawrence joined him as a first-team development coach. While at Wigan, he became the first Trinidadian to win the FA Cup.
Managing Trinidad and Tobago
On 30 January 2017, Dennis Lawrence was appointed manager of the Trinidad and Tobago national team. He led the team until December 2019.
Current Coaching Roles
On 25 June 2021, Dennis Lawrence became the first-team coach for Coventry City. In March 2022, he took charge of a game against Sheffield United. This happened when the main manager and assistant tested positive for COVID-19. Coventry City won that game 4-1!
As of 2024, Dennis Lawrence is an assistant coach for Minnesota United FC.
Personal Life and Awards
As a member of the Trinidad and Tobago squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Dennis Lawrence received a special award. He was given the Chaconia Medal (Gold Class). This is the second highest state award in Trinidad and Tobago.
Honours and Achievements
Dennis Lawrence achieved many great things during his career.
Team Honours
- Wrexham
* Football League Trophy: 2004–05 * FAW Premier Cup: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04
- Swansea
* Football League One: 2007–08
- Trinidad and Tobago
* Caribbean Cup: 2001
Individual Awards
- Wrexham Player of the Season: 2003–04
- Caribbean Cup MVP: 2001
- Chaconia Medal Gold Class: 2006
See also
In Spanish: Dennis Lawrence para niños
