Lee enjoys final fling

[khay 10]

Rob Lee said when he joined his home-town club of West Ham in August 2003 that he would hang up his boots when his time at Upton Park ended.

 

Instead, 28 months later, the 39-year-old midfielder finds himself a member of the only unbeaten team in the country.

 

Wycombe top the League Two table and Lee, who won 21 England caps, is happily enjoying an unexpected chapter of his playing career.

 

"I basically did retire for five or six months after leaving West Ham in November 2004 until Wycombe boss John Gorman got in touch," Lee told BBC Sport.

 

"I knew John from his time as England assistant coach and he asked me to come back.

 

"I played the last eight games of last season and I could see that some of the lads had good potential and John plays the type of football that I like to play so I decided to stay for another year.

 

"I'm still enjoying playing and training with the lads and the fact we are still unbeaten is a major plus. Everything is going very well at the moment."

 

In his 22nd year as a professional, Lee is one of a number of players, such as Teddy Sheringham and Peter Beagrie, reaping the benefits of looking after their bodies and listening to its needs.

 

 

ROBERT LEE'S CAREER

2005-: Wycombe

2003-2004: West Ham

2002-2003: Derby County

1992-2002: Newcastle

1983-1992: Charlton

 

Lee does not play every game, nor train every day, but has been given licence by Gorman to listen to his body and work out when it needs rest.

 

The midfielder made more than 300 appearances for both Charlton and Newcastle and is using his time at Wycombe to develop his coaching skills and prepare for a possible career in management.

 

His is currently taking his coaching badges and making the most of the opportunity to familiarise himself with the lower divisions.

 

"Being at Wycombe probably suits me as much as it suits Wycombe," he added.

 

"John lets me do some coaching with the younger players, who listen, are keen to learn to learn and want play at a higher level.

 

 

Robert Lee in action for Wycombe

"In my opinion we should be 10 or 12 points clear"

Rob Lee

 

"I haven't played at this level before so it is good to get to know different players at different clubs.

 

"It is good to know who players in this division are and have a little dossier on players because you never know what might happen, some might become big stars one day."

 

Lee has been suprised by the footballing ability of some players he has encountered in League Two, concluding that perhaps their attitude rather than lack of ability has hindered their progress.

 

But the footballing principles at Wycombe suit his belief in the way the game should be played.

 

"Not many teams want to play to get out of the division, which is a shame really," said the 39-year-old.

 

"I have played against a few that try to kick you off the park, which isn't great for the fans.

 

"Football in all divisions is entertainment and fans pay good money to watch the game.

 

"I certainly think we play the right way. We probably play sometimes when we shouldn't and if we can get up by playing football, like Yeovil last season, I think it will prove something.

 

"At the moment we are very confident and look like we are going to win every game. We should have won a lot more and, in my opinion, we should be 10 or 12 points clear."

 

Lee won promotion to the top flight with Charlton in 1986 and again with Newcastle in 1993.

 

If he gets his way there will be another successful promotion campaign in the twilight of his career.

[Guest alex]

I loved Robert Lee but rumour has it if he dropped 50p he'd catch it on the back of his neck I find it a bit sad to see him playing for the likes of Wycombe tbh.

[adios 717]

I loved Robert Lee but rumour has it if he dropped 50p he'd catch it on the back of his neck I find it a bit sad to see him playing for the likes of Wycombe tbh.

63755[/snapback]

 

Does he not just want to keep playing, I think that 50p on the back of his neck is about a months wages with Wycombe!

 

I love when he does punditry for Newcastle matches, no-one is so pro-Newcastle (read:delusional). Legend.

[Guest alex]

I loved Robert Lee but rumour has it if he dropped 50p he'd catch it on the back of his neck I find it a bit sad to see him playing for the likes of Wycombe tbh.

63755[/snapback]

 

Does he not just want to keep playing, I think that 50p on the back of his neck is about a months wages with Wycombe!

 

I love when he does punditry for Newcastle matches, no-one is so pro-Newcastle (read:delusional). Legend.

63756[/snapback]

Maybe, seems a bit sad to me like.

[sweetleftpeg 0]

Was listening to the half time match report on Saturday when Wycombe were playing Carlisle. They were saying that Rob Lee just stands in and around the centre circle and pings it round like a quarter back. It's effective though.

[Craig 6682]

Management material!

[East Stander 0]

Management material!

63763[/snapback]

 

Assistant to his mate with centre parting as a "buffer" perhaps?

[Smooth Operator 10]

Was listening to the half time match report on Saturday when Wycombe were playing Carlisle. They were saying that Rob Lee just stands in and around the centre circle and pings it round like a quarter back. It's effective though.

63762[/snapback]

 

He's the new Jan Molby!

Edited December 2, 2005 by Smooth Operator

[Shearergol 0]

I loved Robert Lee but rumour has it if he dropped 50p he'd catch it on the back of his neck I find it a bit sad to see him playing for the likes of Wycombe tbh.

63755[/snapback]

 

Does he not just want to keep playing, I think that 50p on the back of his neck is about a months wages with Wycombe!

 

I love when he does punditry for Newcastle matches, no-one is so pro-Newcastle (read:delusional). Legend.

63756[/snapback]

Maybe, seems a bit sad to me like.

63758[/snapback]

 

 

Nowt wrong with the lower leagues mate. Peter Beagrie still lines up for Scunny every week

[Guest alex]

I loved Robert Lee but rumour has it if he dropped 50p he'd catch it on the back of his neck I find it a bit sad to see him playing for the likes of Wycombe tbh.

63755[/snapback]

 

Does he not just want to keep playing, I think that 50p on the back of his neck is about a months wages with Wycombe!

 

I love when he does punditry for Newcastle matches, no-one is so pro-Newcastle (read:delusional). Legend.

63756[/snapback]

Maybe, seems a bit sad to me like.

63758[/snapback]

 

 

Nowt wrong with the lower leagues mate. Peter Beagrie still lines up for Scunny every week

63855[/snapback]

Case closed tbh

[Matty 0]

Rob Lee- Legend.

 

 

End of.

[zico martin 89]

I loved Robert Lee but rumour has it if he dropped 50p he'd catch it on the back of his neck I find it a bit sad to see him playing for the likes of Wycombe tbh.

63755[/snapback]

 

Does he not just want to keep playing, I think that 50p on the back of his neck is about a months wages with Wycombe!

 

I love when he does punditry for Newcastle matches, no-one is so pro-Newcastle (read:delusional). Legend.

63756[/snapback]

Maybe, seems a bit sad to me like.

63758[/snapback]

 

 

i think we are all very sad to be supporting this bunch of muppets tbh

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

I loved Robert Lee but rumour has it if he dropped 50p he'd catch it on the back of his neck I find it a bit sad to see him playing for the likes of Wycombe tbh.

63755[/snapback]

 

Does he not just want to keep playing, I think that 50p on the back of his neck is about a months wages with Wycombe!

 

I love when he does punditry for Newcastle matches, no-one is so pro-Newcastle (read:delusional). Legend.

63756[/snapback]

Maybe, seems a bit sad to me like.

63758[/snapback]

 

Can't blame him. You're a long time retired once you quit.