Barnsley born Lee started out in the depths of non-league with Maltby Main in 1998, before making the switch to Denaby United. In 2001 he joined Hallam in the NCEL, and made a name for himself finding the net 32 times. A transfer up the pyramid to Frickley ensued, and he became something of a cult hero, with a goal every other game (40 goals in 82 appearances). He helped Frickley to the Sheffield Senior Cup in 2004, where they beat Worksop, before being enticed to Harrogate for an undisclosed four figure fee. Shortly after joining John Reed at Harrogate, he picked up an injury and was sent on loan to Wakefield Emley; Emley wanted to keep him, but he signed for Droylsden instead in July 2005. He never really made it off the subs bench at Droylsden, and opted for a switch to Worksop in September 2005. Loans to Frickley and Farsley followed, and Lee joined Hucknall towards the end of the season. A bricklayer by trade, so he should be good in a defensive wall. After a spell on the sidelines, Lee opted to join Frickley.