Everyone at Doncaster Rovers and the wider Club Doncaster family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Joe Laidlaw over the weekend, at the age of 71.
Joe Laidlaw was born on 12th July 1950. A combative midfielder, Joe began his career with Middlesbrough, where he played under manager Stan Anderson, before moving to Carlisle United.In 1972-73 he was a key member of the Carlisle team that won promotion to the First Division for the only time in their history, although they were relegated a year later.
In June 1976 Anderson signed him for Rovers and he missed only one League game in each of his first two seasons. He became a firm favourite with the fans, his rotund appearance belying the fact that he was an extremely fit and highly skilled footballer. He fell out of favour under Anderson’s successor, Billy Bremner, and in June 1979 he was sold to Portsmouth for £15,000.
Appointed club captain he led Pompey to promotion from Division Four in his first season. After spells with Hereford United and Mansfield Town he settled on the south coast and managed Fareham Town and Chichester City, as well as playing local football well into his 50s.
His record for Rovers was 142 appearances with 28 goals.
The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Joe’s family and friends at this sad time.