Lawrence joins Cardiff

Sam Hammam welcomes Lennie Lawrence to Cardiff

Cardiff City have confirmed the appointment of Lennie Lawrence as their new director of football.

Lawrence parted company with First Division side Grimsby on Friday, and Bluebirds owner Sam Hammam wasted no time in approaching him with a coaching position at Ninian Park.

The appointment comes at a crucial time in Cardiff promotion campaign.

They have only managed to bag just three points from a possible 12 over the Christmas period.

Hammam has been searching for an experienced coach to work alongside manager Alan Cork since the club sacked Ian Atkins in October.

He could not have found a much more experienced or respected man than Lawrence.

He enjoyed huge success with Charlton during his nine years in charge between 1982-91, leading them from the Third Division to the top flight.

Lawrence then took Middlesbrough to the Premiership during his spell on Teesside between 1991 and 1994.

Meanwhile, on-loan defender Dean Gordon has returned to Middlesbrough despite having two weeks left to run on his second month's loan spell.

Gordon scored twice in his seven appearances, but was booed off after being substituted in the second half of the 3-1 defeat against Bristol City on Saturday.

Cardiff's scheduled match against Brentford on New Year's Day has been called off due to a frozen pitch.