interview
Island Life - April/May 2011
Lee in his
Portsmouth
days after
leaving
the Army
Lee quickly established himself as a key player, and played
well. I was due to go to Northern Ireland to play for the
all over Europe and in the Far East for the Army XI and the
Army, but Pompey rang my Commanding Officer and asked
Combined Services. During his time as a soldier, he would
if I could have a week’s leave so I could go with them instead
return to the Island to see his family as often as he could,
on a pre-season tour to Scotland.”
and he later married Island girl Hayley, who came from
Newport, and whose family still live here.
Lee remained in the Army for four-and-a-half years, playing
It proved a successful venture as Lee made three
appearances as a substitute, scored on each occasion, and by
the end of the week he was offered a contract. Contrary to
for Cowes Sports when on leave, before getting the lucky
some reports that he had to buy himself out of the Army for
break that he had hoped for, but perhaps didn’t really expect.
£500 to join Portsmouth, in fact he was given an honourable
He takes up the story: “While in the Army by chance we had
discharge so he could pursue his professional playing career.
a pre-season tour of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
“While we were at Fratton Park (the home of Portsmouth
After nearly two years and more than 50 games for
Portsmouth, Lee suddenly found himself one of the Island’s
FC) my coach went in and had a word with the Pompey
most expensive commodities in 1997 when he was signed by
manager Terry Fenwick and said he had a lad playing for him
Manchester City for £3million. He reflects: “It was a lot of
who had scored 30-odd goals in 25 games, and perhaps they
money, but I tried not to let it affect me. Once I was out on
would like to have a look at him. That lad was me!
the pitch, it didn’t worry me. You still try to play your best
“So I ended up having a trial with Portsmouth, and I did
52
whether you are worth £3million or nothing.
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