Midfielder Jamie Leslie has been a mainstay in Brian Reid’s team this season with the 24-year-old appearing in every game so far in the league campaign. However, the journey to get to this point is one that took hard work and dedication as he sat down with social media executive, Taylor Murray, to discuss the journey from junior football to playing in front of the Rovers faithful.
Leslie joined the Rovers during the 2020/21 season and made 25 appearances that campaign. Now, coming to the end of his third season the midfielder is a key player in Brian Reid’s team as he closes in on a century of appearances.
“I can’t believe that I have made one appearance let alone nearly 100, it is just amazing,” says Leslie
“It is something that I have worked so hard for and I don’t think has sunk in yet.
“Maybe it will never sink in, or it will when I stop playing, but the main thing is I am enjoying being out there.”
Speaking about turning out in front of the fans every week Jamie says that, as much as it is a cliche, the support from the fans gives the team “a boost” as they cheer on every tackle, pass and shot.
He said: “I can remember my first game very easily as it was against Ayr in the League cup and during Covid.
“But it was weird as there weren’t really any fans about then.
“However, when the fans got back into the ground it was just so much better as standing in the tunnel, hearing the fans chat and sing, was a special moment.
“The support gives us the extra boost that we sometimes need and, as cliche as it sounds, it is important to us all.
“It almost felt like it was a second debut when I came out to them for the first time, one that I really enjoyed.
“As a boy who grew up not too far from here, it is brilliant to be playing for a club that is well-known to people.
“There is just that sense of community when it comes to Albion Rovers as the connection between fans and club is amazing.”
However, getting to the professional level was something that the midfielder said he worked hard for and is glad that all the work he put in has paid off for him.
Before turning out for the Rovers, Jamie plied his trade in the junior set-up as he played for Gartcairn FC in the West of Scotland First Division, something that he said he was glad to experience as it prepared him massively for football in the professional football.
“I would say that junior football helped me immensely prepare for what was to come – It was a great learning experience,” said the midfielder.
“Playing at that level really benefits players in all ways as not only do you build the confidence but you also grow up a bit, I think is the best way to put it.
“The standard at that level is far better than what people think as the intensity of the football is so great.”
Looking at how he became a midfielder Jamie went on to say: “I can remember that even at juniors I was still trying to find out what position was my best but one day it did just click for me.
“I think I have played in nearly every position. Right back, left back and even up front for a game I’m sure.
“Also pretty sure I was down to fill in goals for one game in case our keeper got injured, that would have been a laugh.”
Scoring goals was something that Jamie was used to in junior football but they have been hard to come by since he joined the Rovers, despite trying his hardest to hit the back of the net.
The midfielder has become known for what to do in the middle of the park, whether it is a tackle or picking out a pass. However, when it came to scoring his first goal against Annan Atheltic, and it being the only goal of the game, Leslie said he had no clue what to do with himself.
He said: “Again it goes back to that time during Covid where it was just surreal. I can remember it being a tap in and I ran away celebrating but I didn’t know what to do.
“I came on at half-time and when I scored I remember spending the full game praying that it stayed like this just so it was the winner that I scored.
“After the game, my phone was full of messages from my pals and family sending me photos of my name appearing on Sky Sports News.
“It really was the stuff of dreams seeing that for the first time.
“Adding numbers to my game is something I am always looking to improve on, as this season I already have a few goals so I feel I am getting there.
“The game against Bonnyrigg was crazy as it was a game I scored in, and again, I didn’t know what to do with myself. Need to figure out a celebration for myself.”
On the topic of teammates, Jamie says that the team are bonding together more and more as the season goes on and they are looking to end the season on a high.
He also adds that the feeling around camp is one that everyone wants to push each other on to be the best that they can be.
The Rovers travel to Ochilview Park on Saturday, February 18, to take on Stenhousemuir in cinch League 2 as they look to get back to winning ways.
Jamie says he is looking forward to it as he aims to secure the three points for the Coatbridge side.
“Look, we go there wanting to get back to winning ways after a disappointing weekend.
“We know what we can do and I believe that we can put in a good performance if we focus on our game.
“We all are here for the same thing and that is to win games and that determination and drive will help us.”
