He was one of the legends of Carlisle United's greatest era.

And news of Joe Laidlaw's passing has brought warm tributes from across the Blues' fanbase.

It was announced on Friday that former midfielder Laidlaw had died at he age of 71.

His four-year spell with the Blues included 12 goals in the First Division in 1974-5, making Laidlaw United's leading scorer in their solitary top-flight campaign.

That came after he had scored one of the goals in the 2-0 win against Aston Villa in April 1974 which resulted in United's historic promotion.

Supporters in our Carlisle United Facebook group have paid tribute to the former Brunton Park favourite.

Ali Ross, daughter of Laidlaw's team-mate, goalkeeper Allan Ross, wrote: "Fabulous memories of a fabulous man. Happy times and happy days. RIP Joe. From the Ross family."

Peter Brockbank added: "I knew Joe very well when he was at Carlisle. When he got married to Sue, Graeme Souness was his best man. He was excellent company, and always gave 100 per cent on the pitch. Had an outstanding season when we were in in the First Division. RIP mate."

Garth Hamer said Laidlaw was "my first Carlisle United hero. I actually mentioned Joe on a post about first ever away game - mine was Preston North End away in FA Cup 1975. Joe got the winner."

Malcolm Walker said he remembered Laidlaw as a "fully-committed" player - "what a worker".

John Levett said: "One of my boyhood heroes for United. Lovely footballer and a pleasure to watch. RIP Joe."

Tom Robson said of Laidlaw: "Joe was all-action, worked tirelessly for our club and knew where the goal was...one of our best buys in one of our best teams. RIP Joe and thank you."

Kenny Brown said an abiding memory of Laidlaw was watching him "smashing a penalty in the Warwick v Everton".

Billy Bell said he "knocked about with Joe a lot - great fella. Never forget waking him up at 1pm before a game at Brunton Park - had to feed him plenty of black coffee. Got to the ground at 2.15pm; he was expecting a [telling off] but nothing was said - he went out and scored a great hat-trick. What a guy."

Ian Lee added: "One of our legends - RIP Joe - always be well remembered."

Mally Kinghorn said: "My hero. RIP."

Craig Wilson said Laidlaw was a "great player" and Simon Entwistle said: Excellent player who gave 100 per cent, just seeing that [1974/5] shirt again fills all the fans with pride and respect for a United star."

Brian Tinning added: "RIP Joe - great memories of you playing for the Blues."

Alan Stalker said: "RIP Joe - condolences to family and friends."