Lawrence loan move ratified by League

11 September 2010 15:26
iam Lawrence has completed his switch from Stoke to Portsmouth after the Football League allowed the move to go ahead as an emergency loan.[LNB] The Championship club thought they had snapped up the Republic of Ireland winger on transfer deadline day only to find they had not completed the paperwork in time.[LNB]But the Football League have now ratified the switch, allowing the former Sunderland man to make his debut this afternoon against Ipswich - and former boss at the Stadium of Light Roy Keane.[LNB]Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes was pleased the two clubs, and the authorities, had been able to thrash out a solution.[LNB]"This is a satisfying outcome to an unfortunate situation," said Scholes.[LNB]"This solution means we will eventually arrive at the same point as the original transfer when the permanent move goes through in the January window.[LNB]"It is particularly pleasing that this has been resolved in a favourable way for Liam because he had been left in limbo after making his mind up to join Portsmouth."[LNB]He added: "He has been a magnificent servant for this club and was hugely popular with the supporters, so everyone at the club wishes him well in the future."[LNB]Lawrence said: "I'm delighted it's all done and now I just want to get out there and play for Portsmouth.[LNB]"Steve Cotterill has been a massive influence on me coming here. He was so positive about the club and about my move.[LNB]"I'm coming to a huge club and it's now up to us to turn things around. We're hoping it will be onwards and upwards for the season."

Source: Team_Talk