Stockport County must beat Wrexham to ex-Rangers star – there are 3 reasons why | OneFootball

It has been reported that both Stockport County and Wrexham want Tom Lawrence but the former should do everything they can to sign him.

As they embark upon a second successive season in League One, Stockport County are remaining ambitious and one signing that will put a marker down to the rest of the league would be Tom Lawrence.

The Wales international is reportedly the subject of interest from both the Hatters as well as Wrexham, whom they have developed a rivalry with over recent seasons as they both move through the divisions but whom themselves gained automatic promotion to the Championship last season.

Stockport were impressive following promotion to the third-tier in the 2023/24 campaign, eventually losing to Leyton Orient on penalties at Edgeley Park in last season’s League One play-off semi-finals.

Wrexham-born Lawrence has just finished up his stint at Scottish giants Rangers, and the Manchester United academy graduate, who has also played for Leicester City and Derby County, is one of the more enticing free agents for EFL clubs in this summer’s transfer window.

Stockport will have a fight on their hands to see off his hometown club who are in a higher league, but it would be a fight well worth winning if they can make it happen.

Stockport will want to go a couple of steps better this time around and with impressive manager Dave Challinor signing a new deal, there are a few reasons as to why getting Lawrence over the line would be such a big deal for the club.

Statement to the rest of League One

First and foremost, but perhaps not the most important albeit it does show something, would be the statement of intent to the rest of League One that Lawrence signing for Stockport represents.

Having had Louie Barry on loan in the first-half of last year, the rest of the division will know what Challinor and his Stockport side are capable of when they have a star in attack and Lawrence would be a warning shot to the other promotion challengers.

Raising Stockport’s ceiling

Stockport have been brilliant since Challinor’s arrival and a large part of their success has been their ability to build in a suitable but ambitious manner in the National League, League Two and then League One.

Signing players capable of playing at a higher level and being able to attract the likes of Antoni Sarcevic and Paddy Madden in non-league, Nick Powell in League Two and then Ollie Norwood and Louie Barry in League One has allowed Stockport to adapt to a higher level each time.

They will believe the same can be said for Lawrence should they indeed make the second-tier next season, and his presence and ability will make the transition a smooth one.

The fit of Tom Lawrence

The first reason is a symbolic statement, the second one is for planning ahead but the other reason as to why his arrival could be crucial is simply due to his quality and ability to likely fit naturally into the County eleven.

Versatile across the front-line, he would fit well into the Challinor system and style of football, whilst also providing a quality in the final third that would likely be the envy of almost every other side in League One.