After five years at Derby County, Tom Lawrence’s time has come to an end.
The former Manchester United academy product makes the switch to Rangers on a free after his contract came to an end.
Signed by Gary Rowett in 2017 Lawrence came with a big price tag and high expectations.
Tom made 185 appearances for the Rams and scored 37 goals, which averages out at a goal every 5 games. His final season was his best scoring season. He managed 11 goals in 39 appearances.
Lawrence was normally utilised as a winger despite looking more effective in games when playing as a 10.
He had a major set back in 2018 when he lost his mother to terminal cancer but he continued to perform on the pitch despite this. However it all came to a head early in to Phillip Cocu’s tenure. After a team bonding session he and fellow teammate Mason Bennett drove home drunk snd crashed, causing a serious injury to then captain Richard Keogh.
He was brought back in to the side by Cocu, despite a lot of the fan base wanting him to be sacked. He thanked Cocu by scoring a goal from close to the corner flag. His celebration said it all as he lifted his hands in the air apologising to the fans.
He was always a player that divided the fan base. I think the best he could be described as is Mr Inconsistent.
The amount of times it was said by myself and those in the local media that if Tom was consistent he would be playing in the Premier League.
Former Rams manager Wayne Rooney put his faith in Tom last season by making him captain, once again splitting opinions amongst the Rams faithful.
However, he was up to the challenge. He became Mr consistent. No longer was he that player that only showed up once in ten games, he showed up to every game.
Undoubtedly it was his best season for Derby. Scoring important goals in important matches. Most notably in a 3-2 win against Bournemouth and a 2-0 win against Sheffield United.
The two goals he scored against United really emphasised who Tom was as a player. His first a mazy run leaving defenders on their backsides before calmly slotting past the keeper.
His second, a curling left foot shot in to the top corner from the edge of the penalty box.
Right foot, left foot he can shoot with both. Finesse shots or full on thunder bastards he can score both. Headers may be his weak point having only scored one albeit being a last minute winner against Reading in Frank Lampard’s first game in charge.
Had Derby kept hold of Tom, it would have been a huge bonus. Rangers will be a different challenge for him and one I think he will relish. He’ll love having the opportunity to battle for the title and it may help him get back in the Welsh international squad.
He needs to produce a similar season to his last one. His consistency will be key, I think he enjoyed having the responsibility of being captain and having more freedom to play football.
It’s sad to see him leave the Rams but I don’t blame him seeking a new challenge at the age of 28. Rangers have themselves a great player and no doubt will be a big piece in their bid for silverware next season.
Simon Long – Twitter @ramswriter
The Rams Writer 