Former Hibs’ goalkeeper Lawrie Leslie has passed away aged 84.
Edinburgh born Lawrie started his football career with Hawkhill Amateurs before joining Newtongrange Star.
He then joined Hibs and after competing for his place with Tommy Younger, he became the club’s first choice ‘keeper and was in the Hibs side that reached the 1958 Scottish Cup Final.
After playing 98 matches for Hibs, he moved to Airdrie in November 1959 for £4,475 and spent two seasons at Broomfield Park where he became club captain.
He was later inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
He made five appearances for Scotland whilst an Airdrie player.
Lawrie then moved to west Ham United in 1961 for £14,000 and won ‘Hammer of the Year’ at the end of his first season, becoming the first goalkeeper to earn the accolade.
After falling out of favour at West Ham he requested a transfer and joined Stoke City for a fee of £14,000 in October 1963 and in his first season helped the club to reach the League Cup Final.
He played in the first leg of the final at Stoke’s Victoria Ground, a 1–1 draw, but he was injured for the decisive second leg.
In 1966 he joined Millwall spending two years there before ending his playing career with Southend United.
Hibs wrote on their Twitter account: “We were saddened to learn of the passing of our former goalkeeper Lawrie Leslie, who spent three years at Easter Road from 1956-1959.
“Our thoughts are with Lawrie’s family and friends at this difficult time.
💚| We were saddened to learn of the passing of our former goalkeeper Lawrie Leslie, who spent three years at Easter Road from 1956-1959.
Our thoughts are with Lawrie’s family and friends at this difficult time.
His memory marches on.
A statement on the Airdrie website described his playing career and his time as a fan favourite at Broomfield Park.
They signed off: “Our sincere condolences go to Lawrie’s family and friends at this sad time.”
#Millwall Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of former Lions goalkeeper Lawrie Leslie, at the age of 84.
Rest in peace, Lawrie. 💙
Stoke City are mourning the passing of Lawrie Leslie who played for the Club in the 1960s.
The thoughts of everyone connected with Stoke City are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
A statement on the Airdrie website described his playing career and his time as a fan favourite at Broomfield Park.
They signed off: “Our sincere condolences go to Lawrie’s family and friends at this sad time.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.