[2] He was on Celtic's books after the Second World War, represented the Royal Air Force at football in 1946,[2] and signed for Irish League club Glenavon in August 1947.
He rejected a return to Scottish football with Aberdeen in favour of remaining in England and dropping down a division with Brighton & Hove Albion.
[6] Initially a reserve, McLafferty shared the left-back position with Reg Fox once Jack Mansell left the club in October 1952, and made 22 appearances in league and FA Cup combined.
Both men lost their place to new arrival Jim Langley, and McLafferty moved into Southern League football with Dartford and Hastings United.
[2] After losing out to Frank Neary for the appointment as player-coach of Lewes, McLafferty took up the corresponding post at another Sussex County League club, Newhaven.