In 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
Royal Artillery in 1956. Lawrie signed pro forms with
Hibernian following a trial that Army compatriot and Hibs player
Jock Buchanan had suggested he apply for. After initially 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, 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. Leslie spent two seasons at
Broomfield Park and became club
captain.
In England Leslie moved to
West Ham United in 1961 for £14,000. He won '
Hammer of the Year' at the end of his first season, becoming the first goalkeeper to earn the accolade. Leslie 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. His international debut came on 22 October 1960, against
Wales; Scotland lost the game 2–0, but his performance earned many plaudits. He was due to play for Scotland in the infamous 9–3 defeat by
England at
Wembley, but he was injured one week beforehand and
Frank Haffey was selected instead. ==Later life==