Lawrence Is Not Panicking To Find A Centre Back!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 18/07/2001

LENNIE LAWRENCE says he is not panicking in his quest to find a centre back despite the new season starting in three weeks time, instead saying that Paul Raven is looking sharp. However, the Town boss is due to cast his eyes over two Norwegian central defenders in the next week.

Lawrence looks to be continuing his search by drafting in Swedish trialist, Stian Thomassen for the game against a Trelleborg select XI. The other player the Grimsby manager is keen on seeing in action is Arne Vidar Moen. Both these players are central defenders and Lennie will watch Moen playing for his club side Lillestrom against Stromsgodtset on July 22nd.

"I'm going to Norway on Sunday to watch a player and the Swedish lad will play in the Monday night game," confirmed Lawrence to the Grimsby Telegraph from Lilleshall, where the Mariners are staying.

"The centre back thing is not going to be solved today or tomorrow. Nobody's going to appear in the next day or two. Nothing's going to happen until we come back from Sweden and I've seen what we've got." revealed Lawrence.

Following the departure of Peter Handyside to Stoke and Bloomer to Hull, Lawrence is left with just two recognised centre backs at the club in the form of Paul Groves and Paul Raven. His only other option amongst the current crop of senior pros is veteran Steve Livinstone, who to date has been mainly used in a striking role by the Grimsby manager.