Trinidad & Tobago boss Dennis Lawrence told not to speak to Wrexham

Dennis Lawrence was in the Wrexham team that won the LDV Vans trophy in 2005

Trinidad & Tobago coach Dennis Lawrence has been told he cannot talk to National League Wrexham about their vacant manager's job.

The Trinidad & Tobago FA (TTFA) said it "has no intentions of allowing ... Mr Lawrence, to engage in discussions with the club".

Wrexham are without a manager after the departure of Sam Ricketts.

Lawrence played 198 games for Wrexham and is among bookmakers' favourites to replace ex-Wales defender Ricketts.

The TTFA said it was reacting to stories linking Lawrence with the club, and added: "The FA has engaged in discussions with Mr Lawrence on this matter and is pleased to have his understanding and cooperation."

Lawrence was a fan favourite at the Racecourse, spending five seasons there between 2001-2006.

The former central defender has been Trinidad & Tobago coach since January 2017, having previously worked as a first team development coach at Everton under Roberto Martinez.

The ex-Swansea City player made 89 appearances for his country as a player, scoring the goal that clinched a place in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

Bookmakers are also linking John Barnes, John Askey, who Ricketts has replaced at Shrewsbury, and Andy Morrell with the job.

Graham Barrow was a member of Wigan Athletic's coaching team alongside Dennis Lawrence

Other notable names linked include Craig Bellamy and Harry Kewell (25-1), Brian McDermott and Ian Holloway (33-1).

Interim manager Graham Barrow is 16-1, but has said he is not interested in the post and on Thursday signed a two-and-a-half year extension to his contract as assistant manager.

Barrow joined the Dragons in July and will continue as assistant after the appointment of a new manager.

"It was never in any doubt in my mind," Barrow told the club's website, "my main concern has been the players and the club."

And he added: "I'm happy the people in charge and the fans feel the same way.

"I'm very happy at Wrexham. I'm very happy to be staying here. This club has so much passion around it."

Ricketts was appointed manager of League One Shrewsbury on 3 December after just six months in charge at the Racecourse.