Jim Leishman was born in Lochgelly in 1953 into a coal-mining family and, from a very young age, he had a determined ambition to become a professional footballer. He played for Dunfermline Athletic FC for seven years during the 1970's before his career was cut short through serious injury. He holds the record of being the last player to score a winning goal for Dunfermline Athletic FC at Ibrox Stadium securing a 4-3 victory against Glasgow Rangers.
At the age of 29 years he was appointed manager of Dunfermline Athletic FC and he recounted with inimitable passion how he stemmed the downward spiral of the Club and forged a side that won successive promotions to the Scottish Premier Division in 1985. In 1995 he was then appointed coach of Livingston FC and he succeeded in taking that club to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in its history. In August 2003, he returned to Dunfermline FC and he continues to actively support the club in the role of honorary director.
During his talk Jim entertained club members with an amusing account of his personal man management style and he explained how player dignity and respect, accompanied when required by the use of poetry and biblical references, were key tools in his motivation toolbox.
In regard to his personal life, Jim spoke warmly about the Mary Leishman Foundation and how, after the untimely death of his wife Mary, the Foundation has raised over
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