Willie Laird

Who is Willie Laird?

Willie Laird was a Scottish association football player, best known for his time with East Fife before and after the Second World War.

Willie Laird joined East Fife in 1937, signing from East Stirlingshire. Laird debuted for the Fifers in November of the same year in the 1-1 draw at Broomfield away to Airdrieonians. Laird established himself immediately as a first team regular and was selected for every one of the club's games in the run when won 1937-38 Scottish Cup - the only time the Methil men have won the trophy.

Willie laird returned to East Fife after the Second World War as the club enjoyed further success. In 1946-47 the club finished third missing promotion by one place. The next season East Fife were promoted to the top flight of Scottish football as 'B' Division champions.

During this post-war "Golden Period", the East Fife won the Scottish League Cup on no fewer than on three separate occasions in seven seasons. A third Scottish Cup final appearance was added to its achievements list in 1949-50. In Laird's two full seasons in Scotland's top division East Fife finished fourth on both occasions.