Lee Jonathan Beevers (born 4 December 1983) is a former professional footballer who played as a defender or midfielder. He previously had spells with Ipswich Town, Boston United, Lincoln City, Colchester United, Walsall and Mansfield Town. Born in England, he made seven appearances for the Wales U21 national team.
Career
Ipswich Town Beevers was spotted by Ipswich Town scout Sonny Sweeney while playing in his hometown of Doncaster and began commuting to Ipswich at weekends to represent the club's School of Excellence, joining the club on a full-time basis as a scholar in July 2000 and signing his first professional contract in March 2001. On 22 January 2003, Beevers and fellow young professional Steve Burton were told by Ipswich's manager Joe Royle that their contracts would not be renewed at the end of the season and that they were free to seek new clubs. The following week, Beevers joined Boston United on trial appearing for the club's reserve team in a 3–0 victory over Lincoln City's reserve team on 29 January 2003. In February 2003 he joined Colchester United on trial but he did not earn a contract from the club and returned to Portman Road. On 26 March 2003 Beevers and fellow Ipswich Town youngster Robert Dickinson joined Boston United on loan until the end of the season. Having been an unused substitute for the 2–1 home victory over Macclesfield Town on 26 April 2003, he made his Football League debut as an 82nd-minute substitute for Peter Costello in the 2–1 victory at Cambridge United on 3 May 2003.
Boston United On 9 June 2003, Beevers agreed a one-year contract to join Boston United on a full-time basis. His performances at Boston earned him numerous awards whilst at the club, and also got the attention of the Welsh national team, where he has represented his country at Under-21 level.
Beevers can play anywhere along the defensive line, however, his most adept position is right-back. Beevers has also demonstrated that he is capable of playing as a right-sided wing-back and in front of the defensive line as both a defensive midfielder and a central midfielder too.
Lincoln City
His performances at Lincoln have earned him the respect of the fans, as his performances at Boston did for their fans. In the 2005–06 season, he played an important role in the team, however, due to the teams tactical system back then, he occasionally got scrutinised for mistakes. Thus far in the 2006–07 season, he has adapted to the new tactical system employed by new Head Coach Peter Jackson, and his form in various positions on the pitch has meant that he has been an ever-present in the squad.
Colchester United On 24 June 2009 he agreed to join Football League One outfit Colchester United on a two-year contract.
Despite starting the first few games relatively brightly for Colchester United under then manager Paul Lambert, Beevers sustained an injury to his shoulder during a competitive match against Milton Keynes Dons. This resulted in him missing three months of the season, over which period he was plagued by other smaller injuries postponing his return to action. Due to his long absence and lack of fitness, he failed to make an impact in the 2009–10 season and didn't manage to break back into the starting line-up, only making a handful of substitution appearances.
Beevers started pre season in a new holding midfield role where he impressed enough to earn himself a sub appearance at Exeter. Despite making a handful of appearances, mainly from the bench, in 2010–11, he was released from his contract on 10 May 2011 and the U's continued shaping their squad for the new season.
Walsall Beevers signed a one-year contract with Walsall on 14 July 2011.
Mansfield Town After one season with Walsall, Beevers signed for Mansfield Town on a one-year contract. After making over 40 appearances and helping the club to the 2012–13 Conference National title, it was announced that Mansfield would be renewing Beevers' contract. He was released from the Stags on 6 May 2015.
Return to Lincoln City On 14 May 2015 Beevers returned to Lincoln City, signing a two-year contract following his release from Mansfield Town. He made his second debut in a 1–1 draw with Cheltenham Town in the National League.
Later career After temporarily retiring from the professional game, Beevers signed for Gainsborough Trinity on 5 January 2018, having been training with the club since the summer of 2017. After just one appearance with Trinity, Beevers joined Alfreton Town as a player/first team coach.
In July 2018, Beevers signed for King's Lynn Town as player/assistant manager. He signed for Matlock Town in September 2018.
Career statistics
Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsIpswich Town2002–03First Division000000—00Boston United2002–03Third Division10000000102003–04Third Division4021000214332004–05League Two311402110382Total723502131825Lincoln City2004–05League Two800000201002005–06League Two3312021304022006–07League Two4451011304962007–08League Two3710000103812008–09League Two442201010482Total1669504210018511Colchester United2009–10League One40001000502010–11League One190101000210Total230102000260Walsall2011–12League One350400010400Mansfield Town2012–13Conference Premier36150—004112013–14League Two2600010102802014–15League Two352401010412Total9739020201103Lincoln City2015–16National League44030—004702016–17National League15020—00170Total59050—00640Gainsborough Trinity2017–18National League North1000—0010Alfreton Town2017–18National League North12000—00120King's Lynn Town2018–19Southern League Premier Division Central0000—0000Matlock Town2018–19Northern Premier League Premier Division31000—20330Career total4961529010318155319
Football Honours
Mansfield Town Conference Premier: 2012–13
Lincoln City National League: 2016–17
Individual Lincoln City Player of the Season: 2006–07
References
External links
Unofficial Lee Beevers Profile at The Forgotten Imp