Jake Findlay
Scottish footballer (1954–2025)
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John Williamson "Jake" Findlay (13 July 1954 – 3 May 2025) was a Scottish footballer who played as a goalkeeper, notably for Aston Villa and Luton Town.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Williamson Findlay | ||
| Date of birth | 13 July 1954 | ||
| Place of birth | Blairgowrie, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 3 May 2025 (aged 70) | ||
| Position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1968–1975 | Aston Villa | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1975–1977 | Aston Villa | 14 | (0) |
| 1977–1985 | Luton Town | 167 | (0) |
| 1983 | → Barnsley (loan) | 6 | (0) |
| 1983 | → Derby County (loan) | 1 | (0) |
| 1985 | Swindon Town | 4 | (0) |
| 1985 | Portsmouth | 0 | (0) |
| 1986 | Peterborough | ||
| 1986–1987 | Coventry City | 0 | (0) |
| Total | 192 | (0) | |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Career
Born in Blairgowrie, Findlay was signed by Aston Villa a month before his 15th birthday.[1][2]
Only making 14 appearances for Villa, he was sold to David Pleat's Luton Town in 1977 as a replacement for Milija Aleksic. He starred for Luton as they won the Second Division in 1981–82.[1][2]
Findlay was constantly tipped to play for Scotland, but was never called up. Findlay fractured his thumb in 1983, and by the time he had recovered, Luton had signed Les Sealey. Findlay moved on to Swindon Town in 1985, and after spells with Portsmouth, Peterborough, and Coventry,[3][4] he retired in 1987.[1][2]
Personal life and death
Findlay was a supporter of Rushall Olympic. He died on 3 May 2025, at the age of 70.[5]