Tributes have been paid to Joe Laidlaw, a legend of Carlisle United’s greatest days in the 1970s, who has died.

The former Blues favourite was 71.

Laidlaw was a star of the United side that won a promotion to the top-flight for the first and only time.

He made club history when scoring one of the goals in the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on April 27, 1974 which clinched the Blues’ place in the First Division.

And Laidlaw went on to net 12 league goals in the 1974/5 season, making him the Cumbrians’ leading scorer in their solitary campaign at the top of the English game.

The midfielder joined Carlisle from his first club Middlesbrough in 1972 and spent four years with the Brunton Park club.

Newcastle-born Laidlaw made 151 league appearances for the Blues before moving on to Doncaster.

News and Star: Laidlaw scores for Carlisle against Everton at Brunton Park in 1975Laidlaw scores for Carlisle against Everton at Brunton Park in 1975

He had further spells with Portsmouth, where he captained the side and led them to promotion in 1979/80, and then Hereford and Mansfield, before settling in Hampshire in retirement, also managing non-league clubs Fareham, Selsey and Chichester and working as a roofer.

His goalscoring feats in the top flight included a brace in a memorable 3-2 win at Everton – while he also netted a twice-taken penalty against the Toffees in United’s 3-0 win at Brunton Park.

Another double helped Carlisle beat Manchester City 2-1 while he got the winner against Bobby Robson’s Ipswich at Brunton Park.

Carlisle chairman Andrew Jenkins today paid tribute.

He said: “Joe was a reliable player who worked hard for the team.

“I remember we got him for £20,000 from Boro and we were all really pleased when the deal was done.

“He was a very likeable and sociable man.”

Former United star John Gorman has also paid a heartfelt tribute to his team-mate - CLICK HERE

Laidlaw is the fifth member of United's famous 1974/5 top-flight squad to pass away, after Allan Ross, Chris Balderstone, Bill Green and Mike McCartney.

Portsmouth have also posted a tribute to Laidlaw on their website.

He scored 23 goals in 75 appearances for the club from 1979-1980, scoring 17 goals in their Division Four promotion season.

His former Pompey team-mate Alan Knight said: "Joe was my first captain after I got into the first team and he looked after me.

"He was a great player and those who were lucky enough to see him play will tell you what a fantastically skilful midfielder he was with outstanding vision."

Laidlaw's grandson Harvey currently plays for Pompey’s academy side, while granddaughter Grace is a member of their women’s development squad.

"The thoughts of everyone at Portsmouth Football Club are with all his family and friends at this sad time," added the club, who will hold a minute's applause before tomorrow's League One game against AFC Wimbledon.

Selsey FC and Fareham Town FC also paid tribute to their former manager after the "truly sad news".