One In, One Out

By Neil Ravenscroft
November 19 2003

There has been a big suprise announced today as Walsall have arranged a swap deal with Wigan for a month. Out goes Jamie Lawrence and in comes Tony Dinning.

No one seemed to have got any wind of this move as Walsall have arranged a swap deal with Wigan which sees Jamie Lawrence out and attacking midfielder Tony Dinning join the Saddlers.

"Jamie has found it difficult so far this season," said Colin Lee on the official site. "He always gives 100% but I feel that a change will do him good.
Dinning is in a similar situation at Wigan and hopefully this deal will be beneficial to all concerned.
I brought him to Wolves and he did well for me there, so I will be looking for him to play a key role for us in the month ahead.
He is predominently a midfield player, but also has the ability to play in various other roles, so his versatility is going to be an important ingredient in our small squad."
Dinning is 28 and an intelligent central midfielder who likes to push up and support the attack. He was Wigan's first £1 million player when he arrived from Wolves and has played in a total of 91 games for the club.

He began his career at Newcastle United, signing professional forms during the 1993/94 season. Having failed to make a first-team appearance at St. James Park, he was allowed to link up with Stockport County on a free transfer where his career really took off during the course of over 200 games.

He moved to Wolves in September 2000 for £700,000 and he went on to score six goals in 35 League games at Molineux before the move to Wigan.
He had a loan spell at Stoke City at the end of last season and he played his part in helping them stay up.