Ex-England midfielder Lee takes up Hornchurch role

Rob Lee's career began as a teenager with Hornchurch [Getty Images] National League newcomers Hornchurch have appointed former England and Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee as their new director of football. Lee, 60, began his career at the London club, who were promoted to the National League last month after winning the National League South play-offs. He went on to play almost 350 times for Charlton Athletic before, in 1992, joining Newcastle, where he scored 56 goals in 381 games during a decade on Tyneside and earned 21 caps for England, including playing at the 1998 World Cup. Lee helped Newcastle claim the First Division - now the Championship - title in 1993 and two second-placed finishes in the Premier League as well as reaching two FA Cup finals. He went on to have spells with Derby County, West Ham United, Oldham Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers before retiring in 2006. Rob Lee spent a decade at Newcastle United between 1992 and 2002 [Getty Images] "Rob brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge, professionalism and a deep understanding of the game at both the professional and elite levels," Hornchurch chief executive Mark Hammond told the club website. "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." Lee has spent the majority of his post-playing career as a co-commentator and pundit, with the Hornchurch role his first permanent involvement at a club since retiring. "Hornchurch will always hold a special place in my heart," he said. "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." Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone