Joe Laidlaw

Laidlaw was born in Wallsend growing up as a Newcastle United fan. He started playing locally for Swalwell^[2] before becoming an apprentice at Middlesbrough.^[3] He signed his first professional contract in August 1967 and made over 100 appearances for the club. In July 1972, he began a four-year stint with Carlisle United^[4] before a three-year spell with Billy Bremner's Doncaster Rovers. In June 1979, he moved to Portsmouth for a fee of £15,000.^[5] Appointed club captain, he quickly became a firm favourite with Portsmouth's fans, the Fratton Faithful. In a memorable roller-coaster first season, he led Pompey to promotion, achieved on the last day of the season after the club beat Northampton 2–0 and Bradford City lost 1–0 to Peterborough United. The following December, Laidlaw was sold to Hereford United for £15,000, his last match having been a 1–0 defeat at Barnsley the preceding month.^[6] He played 62 league games for The Bulls, scoring eight goals^[7] before ending his career with a brief spell at Mansfield Town. After his professional career ended, he returned to the south coast to live and played for Waterlooville before managing Selsey (initially as player-manager), Fareham Town^[8] and Chichester City United.

A combative player,^[9] Laidlaw was one of that generation who bridged the gap between terminological eras, beginning his career as a wing-half and ending it as a midfielder^[10] despite playing a similar role throughout.^[11]

When asked about his biggest dislike, he responded shaving, and he'd most like to meet Paul Newman. Laidlaw's grandson Harvey played in Portsmouth's academy set-up. He was named their player of the season,^[12] 2022-23, before joining Gosport Borough on loan in July 2023 and subsequently Isthmian League club Horndean.

Laidlaw died on 18 November 2021 at the age of 71.^[13]