Career
Scotland
Leslie began playing football with Hawkhill Amateurs. In the early 1950s, he turned semi-pro and joined Newtongrange Star. He played for his regimental side at Oswestry after joining the Artillery in 1956.
After the war, Lawrie signed pro forms with Hibernian following a trial that war-time compatriot and Hibs player Jock Buchan had suggested he apply foreign
He was in the Hibs side that reached the 1958 Scottish Cup Final, which they lost 1–0 to Clyde. After playing 98 matches for the Easter Road side he moved to Airdrie in November 1959 for £4,475 and became club captain.
Leslie spent two seasons at Broomfield Park helping the "Diamonds" to two mid table finished in the Scottish First Division. In English football
He went on to make 61 league and cup appearances for the east London club
He joined Stoke City for a fee of £14,000 in October 1963 and in his first season with the club helped the reach the final of the League Cup.
Leslie played in the first leg of the final the Stoke"s Victoria Ground in a 1–1 draw but he was injured for the decisive second leg meaning that reserve "keeper Bobby Irvine stepped in and Stoke lost 3–2. In the 1964-1965 season Leslie made the number one spot his own as the missed just two matches out of 50. He lost his first choice status in 1965-1966 due to the emergence of John Farmer and he left in the summer of 1966 for Millwall.
He spent two season at The Den before finishing his career with Southend United.
After his retirement from playing, Leslie coached at Southend and later became Millwall"s trainer. He has since been involved in coaching schools football.
Leslie was due to play for Scotland in the infamous 9–3 defeat by England at Wembley. He was injured one week beforehand and Frank Haffey was selected instead.