Everyone at Doncaster Rovers and the wider Club Doncaster family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, and Hall of Famer Laurie Sheffield at the age of 82.
Laurie played 85 times across two spells for Rovers between 1965 and 1970. He registered 49 goals for the club him one of the most prolific strikers to ever wear the shirt.
Born in Swansea, he had spells with Bristol Rovers and Barry Town before launching his league career with Newport County. After three successful seasons in Newport, Rovers manager Bill Leivers signed him in the fourth division.
He scored twice on his debut against Lincoln City and went on to form a devastating partnership with Alick Jeffrey. That season ended with Laurie wracking up 28 goals while Alick scored 22. Their combined 50 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.
Laurie made his home in Doncaster and had been a regular visitor to Belle Vue and the Keepmoat Stadium. His goal record marks him out as one of Rovers greatest ever goal scorers.
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Laurie’s friends and family at this sad time.