Former T&T World Cup defender Dennis Lawrence has officially made the move from Wigan Athletic to Everton, where he appointed first-team development coach.
Lawrence joins several other former members of Wigan’s coaching staff, after being wooed by Wigan’s former head coach Roberto Martinez, who he built a strong relationship with during his tenure.
Both coaches concluded their time at Wigan after securing the club its first ever FA Cup title, at the expense of the mighty Manchester City in the final.
The 38-year-old, who also previously worked under Martinez at Swansea City, has been given the portfolio of assisting the Everton’s Under-21 manager Alan Stubbs to ensure information is filtered down to the various academy coaches.
Speaking of the move, Lawrence said he was appreciative of his coaching experience at Wigan but could not turn down the opportunity to continue working with Martinez, who essentially brought him into the coaching world.
“I’ve had three fantastic seasons with Wigan and I wouldn’t take anything away. It’s a very good club, I got on really well with the people there,” said Lawrence.
He added: “But then obviously when the call comes from the manager himself, I’ve got a good relationship with him. I worked with him as a player; I’ve worked with him as a coach; and I’ve got a bit of loyalty to him because he was the one who got me involved in coaching in the first place.”
Martinez’s attacking philosophy according to Lawrence is what attracted him to Everton. “In football there’s no wrong or right way in terms of the way you want to play the game,” said Lawrence.
“But I think the way the manager sees the game being played is the same as I would like to see.
“Hopefully I can bring my experience from playing because some players do learn quicker than others and it’s important you recognise the ones who might be picking up on things a bit quicker and help them understand what the manager wants.”
Speaking on his job at the Everton, Lawrence said, “I’ll be doing the same role I had at Wigan. I’ll be working around the first team and in terms of the Under-21s. Alan Stubbs is obviously the manager, but I will help Alan in whatever way possible.”