CandH blogger Alan Cummings pays tribute to a great Hammer
It’s ironic that on the day we were saying “goodbye and good luck” to the popular Adrian – we also said a final “goodbye” to another hugely popular West Ham United goalkeeper Lawrie Leslie.at the age of 84
To supporters of a certain generation, although he may not have the instant supporter recollection of a ‘Parksy’ or a ‘Ludo’ – the craggy Scot was a cult figure in his own right!
If there is a single word that best describes Leslie it has to be FEARLESS! Forever prepared to put his stocky frame in the thick of the action – amid the flying boots and bodies – he went where it could really hurt.
I well remember one particular home game against Arsenal in April 1962. I was stood on the old North Bank behind Leslie’s goal, when Lawrie went down in typical fashion at the feet of an onrushing Arsenal forward – and ended up having his hand stamped on.
The injury was bad enough for him to be deemed unable to continue in goal but ut with no substitutes in those days, he was patched up by the West Ham trainer and sent out to continue the game on the right wing. His replacement in goal was a certain full back by the name of John Lyall.
As if spurred on by the indignity of the injury Leslie proceeded, in his new role, to terrorise the Gooners’ defence. We were 3-1 down at the time, but with Lawrie’s inspirational drive and determination West Ham quickly clawed a goal back.
Then in the 84thminute he skipped past two Arsenal defenders before winning a corner, from which Billy Landsdowne scored an unlikely equaliser. It was that kind of 110 percent performance that saw Leslie carry off the Hammer of the Year trophy at the end of the 1961-62 season, the first goalkeeper at the club to win the award.
Edinburgh born Leslie was signed by Ron Greenwood from Airdrieonians for £14,000 in the summer of 1961. He played 61 times for the Hammers in a two-year stay, before moving on to Stoke City in October 1963.
He also played for Hibernian, Millwall and Southend and won five full caps for Scotland. Former West Ham full back Joe Kirkup once described Lawrie as “the bravest footballer I’ve ever seen”. Those who watched him from the terraces wouldn’t disagree.
Our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.
RIP Lawrie
I was there for that Arsenal match which if my memory is correct was Easter
I to was on the Northbank and I remember him on the right wing and an Arsenal defender banging the ball for a throwin but it came back when he scissor kicked it back in.
Truly the bravest of goalkeepers I can ever remember
God bless you Laurie.
Hugh, what a great eulogy – he was before my time (born that season you spoke of), but I’m sure Mr. Lealie’s Family will be pleased with your great piece – #WeatHamFamily