With an average of better than a goal every other game, Laurie Sheffield was one of Rovers most potent strikers ever. Born in Swansea, he had spells with Bristol Rovers and Barry Town before launching his League career with Newport County. In three seasons with Newport County he scored 44 League goals in 91 games in a struggling side. This record prompted Rovers manager Bill Leivers to sign him in the summer of 1965. Laurie was an instant hit, scoring twice on his debut. He formed a devastating partnership with the veteran Alick Jeffrey, Laurie contributing 28 of the 50 League goals the pair scored between them. Their goals helped Rovers secure the Fourth Division title, their first promotion in 16 years.
After contributing seven goals in the first 15 League games in Division Three, Laurie was controversially sold to Norwich City in November 1966 for £12,000. He marked his Norwich debut with a hat-trick against Derby County and subsequently moved on to Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic and Luton Town, where he continued to be a prolific scorer. In October 1969 he returned to Rovers, scoring on his return appearance, a 3-1 win at Walsall. However, he was not a great success and at the end of the season he moved on to Peterborough United, where he ended his career.
Laurie made his home in Doncaster and has been a regular visitor to Belle Vue and the Keepmoat Stadium. His goal record marks him out as one of Rovers greatest goal scorers and it is still a moot point as to what the club might have achieved had he not been sold in November 1966.
Rovers Debut: 21st August 1965, Division Four vs. Lincoln City (home) Won 4-0.
Final game: 14th April 1970, Division Three vs. Bury (away) Drew 1-1.
Rovers Career: Football League: 73 appearances, 42 goals.
All senior games: 85 appearances, 49 goals
Honours with Rovers: Division Four Championship 1965-66.