Willie Laird
Willie Laird was a
Willie Laird joined East Fife in 1937, signing from East Stirlingshire. He debuted for the Fifers in November of the same year in a 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 they won the 1937–38 Scottish Cup - the only time the Methil men have won the trophy.[1]
Laird returned to East Fife after the Second World War as the club enjoyed further success. In 1946–47 (the first season after the war) the club finished third, missing promotion by one place. In 1947–48, they were promoted to the top flight of Scottish football as 'B' Division champions.
During this post-war "Golden Period", East Fife won the Scottish League Cup three occasions within seven years (1947–48, 1949–50, and 1953–54). 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 both times.[2]
Laird was playing at the club until 19 August 1950 with his last game being against
Among the players who played with Laird were
With Laird at the club at the beginning of their golden era, East Fife spent ten successive seasons in Scotland's top league with five finishes in the top six. Aside from this period, the club spent only four other seasons playing in the top tier.