Richard Lee (footballer)

Richard Anthony Lee (born 5 October 1982 in Oxford) is an English footballer. He is a goalkeeper and currently plays for Brentford.

Playing career

Lee came through Watford's academy, and became second choice goalkeeper after Ray Lewington's appointment as manager at the beginning of the 2002–03 season. He made his debut in February 2003 against Preston North End, after first choice Alec Chamberlain was rested before an FA Cup quarter final. He went on to make four more appearances that season.

At the beginning of the 2003–04 season it seemed like Lee may become Watford's first-choice goalkeeper, after he started many of the club's pre-season games. However he started the season on the bench and in a training session he broke his arm, and was out injured for a period of months. By the time of his return, loanee Lenny Pidgeley had established himself in the side, with Chamberlain as his deputy.

For the 2004–05 season Lee became Watford's first-choice goalkeeper, although he was injured for Watford's League Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd's decision to loan Lee to Blackburn Rovers for the 2005–06 season was met with questions from many fans. Lee spent the season as third choice goalkeeper behind Brad Friedel and Peter Enckelman. Lee returned to Watford following the conclusion of the loan deal, with both clubs unable to agree upon a transfer fee.

On his return to Watford, Lee spent most of the 2006–07 Premier League season as backup to...
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