JOEY JONES believes Dennis Lawrence would be a fantastic choice as Wrexham boss.

The board are looking for a new manager after Sam Ricketts left to take charge of Shrewsbury Town on Monday and former Reds defender Lawrence has emerged as one of the favourites for the job.

Lawrence, who is currently manager of the Trinidad and Tobago national team, joined Wrexham in 2001 when Racecourse legend Jones was part of Brian Flynn's backroom staff.

After helping Wrexham clinch promotion and win the Football League Trophy, Lawrence played for Trinidad at the 2006 World Cup, and also had spells with Swansea and Crewe.

Coaching roles at Wigan Athletic, alongside current Wrexham interim manager Graham Barrow, and Everton followed before taking over Soca Warriors chief in 2017, and Jones says towering centre-back Lawrence comes highly recommended.

"Dennis is highly regarded as a coach from people on the FAW courses," said Jones.

"He has done all the licences, he has done the pro-licence which is the highest one you can get.

"Dennis is straight talking and very well respected.

"We had Dennis when he came over as a player and he has always been very thoughtful about the game.

"How he played, how he goes about things, he was very professional and he was very thorough about what he used to do."

It comes as no surprise to Jones that Lawrence, whose contract with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association expires in January 2019, has been linked with the Wrexham managerial vacancy.

"I am not surprised and I would be happy if Dennis was in charge, we will have to wait and see like everybody else," said Jones.

"Whether they can get him away from there, I am not sure."

Lawrence still has a house in the Wrexham area and Jones believes the fact that the 44-year-old still has a close bond with the town and the club, where he made more than 200 league and cup appearances, is a big positive.

"Dennis loves Wrexham," said Jones. "He loves the place and he loves the club.

"I know people say that should not have any bearing on being a manager when someone has special feelings but it does make a difference at times."

Jones also joked that Lawrence will have the respect of the players if he got the job, adding: "Dennis is someone all the players will look up to - he is seven foot tall!"

Wrexham are looking for their fourth manager of the year after Ricketts, who signed a three year contract in May, left for the Shrews just seven months into his reign.

"It is disappointing when you have started something," said Jones.

"I suppose like players want to play at a higher level, managers want to manage at a higher level and step up.

"But it is disappointing the way it has happened."

Former Wrexham manager Andy Morrell has also been linked with a return to the Racecourse.

The 44-year-old took over as player-boss in September 2011 and led Wrexham to FA Trophy success and the 2013 play-off final, where the Reds lost to Newport County at Wembley, before leaving my mutual consent in February 2014.

"I'll have a think about it and see if it's worthwhile, I don't know if they would consider it," Morrell told the BBC.

"I might throw my hat in the ring if the wife and me believe that it's not a bad move for me in my career.

"I had a fantastic time at Wrexham when I was manager and I think I'm a better manager now than I was when I took over there."