Louis Laing

Sunderland

Laing was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, and grew up supporting Newcastle United. Laing started at youth level with Montague B.C. before he joined Newcastle's arch-rivals Sunderland in summer 2009. In his first year at the Sunderland academy, he made 18 appearances, scoring once, despite 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. Although manager Steve Bruce was normally keen to let young players out on loan to play first-team football, the Sunderland Echo speculated that Laing might "have a part to play" for his parent club. On 16 January 2012, Laing signed for League One club Wycombe Wanderers on a one-month loan. On 21 January, he made his debut in a 3–0 win against Rochdale at Adams Park. The loan was extended until the end of the season. On his return from loan, Laing signed a new contract with Sunderland. His next two seasons were overshadowed by injuries, and he was released at the end of the 2013–14 season.

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 County debut the next day in a 0–0 draw with Peterborough United. After helping the club keep four…

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

Laing now works for a financial adviser in Hexham.