'Special place' - Newcastle United 'Entertainers' legend lands shock new role with National League club
A former Newcastle United captain has been appointed as director of football at National League newcomers Hornchurch.
Newcastle United legend Rob Lee has gone back to his roots after being named as director of football at National League newcomers Hornchurch.
The former Magpies captain started his career as part of the youth setup at the East London club before going on to play for the likes of Charlton Athletic, West Ham United and Derby County over the following two decades. Lee spent ten years at St James Park and was part of Kevin Keegan’s much-loved Entertainers side of the mid-1990s that took the Magpies within touching distance of claiming the Premier League title. Lee’s form in black and white also earned him a maiden call-up to the England squad in 1994 and he marked the first of 21 appearances for the Three Lions with a debut goal in a friendly against Romania.
Lee has been a regular pundit across the media in the aftermath of his retirement in 2006 - and will now take up a new role as Hornchurch’s director of football as they prepare to compete alongside the likes of Gateshead and Hartlepool United during a historic first ever season in non-league football’s top flight.
Hornchurch chief executive Mark Hammond told the club website: "Rob brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge, professionalism and a deep understanding of the game at both the professional and elite levels. His reputation within football speaks for itself, and we are excited to have someone of his calibre joining us at such an important stage of the club's journey. As we continue to build for the future, strengthen our football operations and establish ourselves at a higher level of the game, it is essential that we have the right people in place to help drive our ambitions forward. Rob's experience in player development, recruitment, performance environments and football strategy will be invaluable as we look to create sustainable success both on and off the pitch."
The former Magpies midfielder added: "Hornchurch will always hold a special place in my heart. This is where my dream began, and I'm honoured to come back and help shape the future of this club. I can't wait to get started."
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