The Departed: Jason Lee

Last updated : 29 May 2008 By Dane Vincent

Jason Lee

League Appearances:
59 (+10 sub)
League Goals: 16
Cup Games: 4 (+1 sub)
Cup Goals: 1

Jason Lee
Jason Lee will be one of eight players heading for the Meadow Lane exit this summer.
When it was announced that Jason Lee was joining The Magpies, the news was met with dismay by most, and even laughter from external quarters. However, they were soon silenced when the ex-Forest man started to climb the goal-scoring standings.

It seemed that Notts had finally found the target-man that they had been missing for so many years - a player with a strong aerial presence and the ability to hit the back of the net - putting the efforts of Gavin Gordon and Andy White to shame, considerably.

The six-foot-three striker was pretty much an ever present during his first campaign with the club, only missing when a frequent suspension came around, thanks to his yellow card rate that overshadowed his impressive goal tally.

Lee claimed the club's golden-boot award with 16 goals in 41 matches - his best since he slammed home a total of 25 strikes in the 92/93 season during his spell with Lincoln City.

This season has been extremely contrasting and frustrating in comparison, with only glimpses of the player from the previous year shining through. This led to just one goal in 31 games.

His goals have been missed sorely throughout this year's outings, sadly demonstrated by team's struggle at the foot of League Two, accompanied by the worst goal-scoring record in the league.

There is no doubt that Lee played at least some part in securing Notts' safety, with his influential presence being publicly noted on numerous occasions. It was this quality that led former manager, Steve Thompson to assign him to the role of player-coach.

Being 37-years old, it could mean the end of the line as far as

Jason Lee
'Big Jase' joined the club from Boston United in 2006.
playing goes, which would no doubt please a few sore headed defenders throughout the leagues. Nonetheless, Lee has expressed his desire to continue playing.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham following his release, he explained: "I'm trying to drag what I can out of the game. When I stop that'll be it and I'll miss it.

"Ideally I want to carry on playing. There are options to coach and do other bits but playing football is my first love.

"I realise I can't play football forever. I don't mind the coaching and the media side I'm enjoying everything I'm doing at the moment."


Should 'Big Jase' not find a new club, his likely destination would be in the media industry, considering the fact that he is currently studying for a journalism degree.


For Notts, his departure means that it is almost inevitable that Ian McParland will bring in a similar attributed player to fill the role of the attacking big man.

Next up... Matthew Somner