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McCarthy: Lawrence Has Continued Town Form at Derby
Monday, 27th Nov 2017 17:58

Former Blues loanee Tom Lawrence has continued at Derby this season where he left of at Town at the end of the last campaign, according to Blues manager Mick McCarthy.

Lawrence enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Portman Road last season, scoring 11 goals in 34 starts and two sub appearances, and was named the club’s Players’ Player of the Year.

The Wales international subsequently joined the Rams from parent club Leicester for an initial £5 million with the deal potentially rising to £7 million.

The 23-year-old has scored once in 14 starts and three sub appearances since moving to Pride Park.

“He was our Player of the Year last year,” McCarthy recalled. “I wouldn’t have any arguments with that, he was outstanding.

“When he came here, his belief in his own ability was never in question. I think it was a case of convincing everybody else. Some looked at him and quite liked him, some weren’t quite sure because he’d had spells at Blackburn, Yeovil and Cardiff.

“I think this was his best spell and he just convinced everybody what a good player he is. He got a great move to Derby and he seems to be doing exactly the same there as he was doing with us.”

Was he frustrated not to be able to bring him to Portman Road on a permanent basis? “It was never on, £5 million he cost. I haven’t spent that in five years of being here, so that was never going to happen. I’m not frustrated by it. I was delighted he helped us last season because he was a star for us.

“And if we helped him got his move, then so be it. I just wasn’t in a position to sign him. Did I ask Marcus the question? It’s like my lad coming and asking for a Maserati as his first car. It’s not going to happen, is it?

“I don’t even get into that. It was never, ever, ever going to happen because we don’t do it. I’ve no problem with that because, as I’ve said before, this is my gig, this is how we do it - £5 million for one player wasn’t going to happen.

“And actually, if I’d got £5 million I think I would probably split it and try and get more than just that one player because if you’ve got that one player in the team, if the rest aren’t functioning properly, that’s not going to do him any good, me any good or the team any good.

“I was delighted. And I think Tom wanted to move anyway and have a fresh start at a fresh club and he’s doing well, good luck to him.”

Lawrence’s spell started slowly and he began to get to the top of his form as Christmas approached.

Does McCarthy hope Bersant Celina’s loan stint with the Blues follows a similar trajectory? “I hope he’s going to get better because he’s been playing really well, he’s contributing with goals and assists. Let’s hope so.”


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gosblue added 18:22 - Nov 27
I think we'd have got him for less than £1m at the start of last season but who knew what a talented player we were getting. Credit to MM and the staff for getting one great season out of him for just wages. I wish him all the best (after tomorrow 😀). Young Connolly stood out for me at Villa on Saturday once he dropped to RB. He's an absolute natural. He should be nailed on RB for the rest of the season. Loanees eh. Who'd have em?
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Karlosfandangal added 19:42 - Nov 27
Lawrence had a great season for us

However I think £5 million going on £7 million is far too much for him and 1 goal in 14 even more so now. I think the £2 million spend on Waghorn and Garner is money very well spent.

Lawrence for me hid a little when he got kicked.....the Lincoln game proved that for me.
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Dissboyitfc added 22:36 - Nov 27
Nailed on to score against us tomorrow!
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Sam added 06:38 - Nov 28
he will score
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simon420 added 12:44 - Nov 28
No way did he go missing in the Lincoln game, he was the guy who saved our bacon in the game at Portman Road.
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Seasider added 17:23 - Nov 28
This is my gig,and this is how we do it;so Marcus Evans doesn't have a say then ?

If it is solely down to McCarthy will he accept the responsibility if the slide down the league continues ?

He picks the team and decides tactics and formation;so will he ever thinks he gets it wrong.More likely blame lack of money,poor support,injuries(cant use this excuse so much now)referee even the players but never Majestic Mick McCarthy!

Notice he is not down to go to the AGM,taking a leaf out of Evans book who also doesn't care enough to meet the supporters.What an arrogant duo this club has got at the moment.
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