NEWCASTLE and Charlton fans will have fond memories of Rob Lee flying down the wing.
The ex-England international was a central part of Kevin Keegan’s 1996 Magpies side that so nearly won the title ahead of Manchester United.
Lee was a key part of Newcastle’s superb side under King KevCredit: PA:Press Association
Who is Rob Lee?
BORN in Plaidstow in 1966, Lee came through the academy at Charlton and was fast-tracked into the side in 1983.
In just two years he was an established member of the first-team and helped the Addicks to promotion from Division Two after scoring 10 goals from the wing.
A pacey wide-man with an eye for a devilish cross, Lee caught the attention of England’s scouts and they had him in their under-21 side the following season.
He stayed with Charlton until 1992, firing them back to the second-tier after relegation in 1990 – but with the club desperate for funds as they planned a return to the Valley, they sold their prized-asset to Newcastle.
Lees sons are both professional playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lee quickly became a fans favourites in the North East, with the winger scoring a hat-trick as Newcastle won 5-0 against Antwerp in their first European game for 17 years.
And he was part of the swashbuckling Keegan side that came so close to lifting the Premier League trophy in 1996.
He would go on to spend ten season with the Toon, with his most prolific season coming in 1995 when he netted 14 goals in 44 games.
And after promotion, he made the PFA Team of the Year as Keegan’s side pushed United every step of the way.
In total, Lee won 21 caps for England and scored two goals – but only made a single sub appearance at the World Cup in 1998.
Is Rob Lee married?
LEE is married to his wife Anna and the pair have two children.
Both of his son’s have become professional footballers – Olly is a midfielder at Hearts, whilst Elliot is a striker for Luton Town.
He travelled up to St James’ Park to watch them both play for Luton in this season’s FA Cup, where the Hatters put up a spirited display in a 3-1 defeat.
What does the ex-Newcastle midfielder do now?
AFTER hanging up his boots in 2006, Lee interviewed unsuccessfully for the managerial position at Bournemouth.
Since then he has worked as a pundit abroad, as well as a co-commentator on TEN Sports.
And in 2019 he’s all set to appear on Harry’s Heroes, a new ITV show that follows ex-footballers being whipped back into shape by no-nonsense gaffer Harry Redknapp.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
