Alan Lee

Aston Villa

Born in Galway, County Galway, Ireland, Lee began his career as a trainee with Aston Villa before turning professional in August 1995. However, he never made his first-team debut at Villa Park. He joined Torquay United on loan on 27 November 1998 and made his debut the following day in the Third Division in a 3–1 defeat to Barnet at Underhill; he replaced Tony Bedeau as a substitute at half-time. He made his full debut at Plainmoor on 12 December in a 2–0 win over Hull City. He scored his first league goal on boxing day, which secured a 1–1 draw with Exeter City at St James Park. He also scored against Southend United and Fulham to take his tally for Wes Saunders's "Gulls" up to three goals in nine appearances. On 2 March 1999, he joined Brian Horton's Port Vale on a two-month loan. Making 11 appearances, he scored in draws with Bradford City and Tranmere Rovers, helping the "Valiants" to avoid relegation out of the First Division on goal difference.

Burnley

He left Villa in July 1999 when Burnley manager Stan Ternent signed him for a £150,000 fee. He scored once for Burnley; in a 2–1 Football League Trophy defeat at Wigan Athletic. He played 15 league games as the "Clarets" won promotion out of the Second Division as runners-up in 1999–2000. Though a successful season for the club, Lee never had an extended first-team run at Turf Moor, and only had two league starts as Andy Payton and Andy Cooke formed an effective partnership up front.

…

Lee represented the Republic of Ireland internationally and earned five caps for the Irish under-21 side. However, many feel he was overlooked by the national team during his time at Rotherham, when he scored 37 league goals over three seasons. He was though utilised for his country whilst with Cardiff making ten appearances for the Republic of Ireland between 2003 and 2006.

In July 2013, Lee began coaching at Ipswich Town's academy. In May 2018, he also began working as the head of Culford School's new football programme. By the end of the year he had left his role at Ipswich Town to coach at Bury Town.

The Rotherham United website stated that Lee was a "strong and very quick striker... with no mean skill." He said that he preferred playing as a lone striker, though was comfortable with any type of partner.