 He spent two seasons as Watford captain before returning home to Scotland to play for Falkirk

Injury meant he made only 8 appearances in his first season at Falkirk, the team were relegated from the Premier League.However the following season Joe would captain the team to success by securing the First Division championship.Falkirk almost qualified for Europe the following season and after 4 years at Falkirk, McLaughin was transferred to Hibernian before going on to play for Clydebank and then St Mirren.