When old “pineapple head” arrived as one of new boss Steve Thompson's first summer signings, Notts County supporters didn't hold their breath.
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Lee, at 35, was seemingly passed his best, and his affinity with neighbouring Nottingham Forest certainly didn't endear him to the Meadow Lane faithful. Indeed, on a visit with Northampton Town last season, Lee was roundly booed by the Magpie support.
His previous seasons in League 2 have hardly been prolific. With Boston in 2004/2005 he netted just twelve goals in 45 appearances, whilst last season he began with just three goals in 20 appearances before his January move to the Cobblers. There he scored just once, ironically against Notts, figuring eleven times as they earnt promotion.
Hardly stats to inspire, even if he had netted for Forest in the Premiership, and appeared for them in a successful European campaign.
The big thing for Notts was that he had been given a two year contract at a time when finances are tight, and this at the ripe old age of 35. Lee certainly had a lot to prove, and how he has gone about doing it.
As it stands today, Lee has participated in 29 fixtures in all competitions, finding the back of the net an impressive fourteen times. His most prolific campaign came at the same level with Lincoln City during his breakthrough under Thompson in the 1992-1993 season. Amassing 41 appearances, Lee hit the back of the net a prolific 25 times.
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It would take something for him to beat that, but he is certainly on course. His relationship with the manager is clearly a huge part, they both work well together, and certainly get on well, as suggested by the bear hugging embrace they shared when Lee departed the pitch after Saturday's 3-1 win over Lincoln City. Lee, of course, scored once again, his seventh strike in eight games.
Brought here supposedly to lend his voice and experience primarily, Lee has now become the main man on the goalscoring front. That was expected to come from Lawrie Dudfield, Junior Mendes or Tcham N'Toya, with 6ft 3inch Lee the foil, target man and club captain.
His disciplinary record needs tweaking, he has amassed over 100 bookings, more than any other player in English football and with it 12 cautions, but as long as he continues his goalscoring form, Notts fans will continue to believe they can make the Playoff's. He is definitely an outstanding candidate for Player of the season, perhaps alongside long-serving Mike Edwards.
Having lived in Nottingham since his Forest days, Lee has always wanted a move to Meadow Lane, it nearly occurred under Gudjon Thordarson before his transfer to Northampton, and was delighted when he finally got it. He has gone about proving that delight.
His celebrations smack joy, and a little arrogance - although maybe the Lincoln fans had it coming - but Notts' hardman is here to stay, and NCM recognise his contribution.
Jason Lee - we salute you.