Louis Laing

Sunderland

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Laing grew up supporting Newcastle United. Laing started at youth level with Montague B.C. before he joined Newcastle's arch-rival's Sunderland in summer 2009. In his first year at the Sunderland academy, he made eighteen appearances, scoring once despite his injuries during the 2009–10 season.

Laing made his Sunderland debut on 14 May 2011, coming on as a late substitute for John Mensah in a 3–1 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. After making his debut, Manager Steve Bruce was keen to let Laing be loaned out for first team football.

On 16 January 2012, Laing signed for League One side Wycombe Wanderers on a one-month loan deal. On 21 January, he made his debut in a 3–0 win against Rochdale at Adams Park. On 14 February, his loan was extended by Wycombe until the end of the season.

After his loan spell with Wycombe Wanderers came to an end, Laing signed a new contract with Sunderland. For two seasons at Sunderland, Laing's time there was overshadowed with injuries. At the end of the end of the 2013–14 season, Laing was released by the club.

Nottingham Forest

Despite interest from Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Manchester United, Laing signed a one-year deal with Nottingham Forest.

Having only featured in Forest's reserves and under-21 sides, Laing joined Notts County on a one-month emergency loan on 12 September 2014. He made his Notts County debut the next day, in a 0–0 draw against Peterborough United on 13 September 2014. After helping the club keep four clean-sheet in seven matches, Laing's loan spell with Notts County was extended for another 93 days on 13 October 2014. After making ten appearances for the club, Laing's loan spell with Notts County came to an end, as he made his last appearance against Swindon Town on 13 December 2014.

On 30 January 2015, Laing moved on loan to Motherwell until the end of the 2014–15 season. He made his debut the following day against St Johnstone, but he was sent off after 25 minutes. Then on 28 February 2015, Laing scored his first Motherwell goal, in a 2–1 win over Inverness CT. Laing played in both legs of the Scottish Premiership Play-off final, as Motherwell maintained their top flight status with a 6–1 win on aggregate against Rangers. At the end of the season, Laing returned to his parent club, although he said he hoped he would be able to return to Motherwell.

Laing was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of the season, having never made an appearance for the club.

Motherwell

On 30 June 2015, Laing returned to Motherwell, signing a two-year contract with the club. In March 2016, Laing revealed that earlier in the season, while out of the first team at Motherwell, he had considered giving up football.

On 15 August 2016, Laing moved on loan to Notts County until 16 January 2017. Laing was released by Motherwell on 31 January 2017.

Inverness

Laing signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 16 February 2017 on a contract due to run until the end of the 2016–17 season.

Hartlepool

Laing signed for Hartlepool United on 10 July 2017.

International career

Laing has played for England at all levels from under-16 to under-19.

Career statistics

Personal life

Coincidentally, Louis Laing's name are compared to Superman's love interest Lois Lane and Lana Lang.