Leish on the List

Big honour for the Big Man MBE. Jim has been an integral part of Dunfermline Athletic since his debut against Ayr United in 1968.

Dunfermline Athletic are delighted to hear of the inclusion of Jim Leishman in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The news that one of Dunfermline Athletic's best loved figures has been awarded an MBE for his contributions over the years has met delight at East End Park. Speaking from his holiday in Italy, Jim said it was an honour to receive the award:-

"For 23 years I've been involved in Dunfermline Athletic in total and a lot of people during that time deserved a lot of credit as well."

The Club's Chairman Mr John Yorkston said he was absolutely delighted for Jim:-

"This award really reflects all Jim's work for our wider community over the years. As well as all his years playing and managing DAFC, Jim also privately undertakes a lot of work for charitable causes close to his heart, rarely reaching public awareness." 

Jim Leishman signed in 1968 as a schoolboy international, the year in which Dunfermline won the Scottish Cup. Since then his career has seen a lot of highs and lows.

He made his debut against Ayr United in a 1-1 draw and went on to play 91 games for the Dunfermline. Unfortunately his career came to a sudden end after he broke his leg against Hearts in a tangle with Jim Jefferies who is now the Kilmarnock Manager.

Jim has been an integral part of this club since his debut against Ayr United in 1968. He played a total of 91 games for the Pars until his career virtually came to an end against Hearts due to the leg brake.

His playing career was never really rekindled, he only made one more appearance for the Athletic before moving to Cowdenbeath in a player swap deal for Bobby Morrison. Eleven games later he was forced into early retirement to focus on coaching, being appointed as Dunfermline Athletic Youth Team Coach in 1980. Two years later he was made the Manager of the reserve team.

The following year Jim became the youngest Manager in Dunfermline Athletic's history at 29. This was the start of a historic career at the helm of the Pars seeing them venture into Premier League football compared to their Second Division situation they had been in two years prior.

This was not his only success in the driving seat however, as he also took Dunfermline into the CIS Insurance Cup final in 2005/06. Today Jim is the Director of Football for the club and continues his work with the same commitment and vigour he has become renowned for.

A stunned Jim Leishman echoed what many say on hearing of such an award:-

"The first thing that comes into your mind is Who recommended me? Why me?'" but added "I feel very humble and very proud."

Jim Leishman Profile

Who is that with Jim Leishman?