Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers defender Lee Brown has today signed a new contract that extends his stay at The Memorial Stadium.

Manager Darrell Clarke was delighted that the 25 year old put pen to paper, saying; “Lee has been one of our most consistent players during my time as manager at Bristol Rovers, whether playing as a full back or a wing back.

“I played along side him at Salisbury and he has matured both as a player and as a person since then and I am pleased that he has decided to commit his future to the club.

 “To his credit he signed a new contract with the club following our relegation in 2014 and was determined to help us achieve promotion out of The Conference at the first attempt.

“Whilst there are five important games to be played during the current season, we also have to have an eye on next season and we are beginning to shape our squad accordingly and I am delighted that Lee will be staying with us.

“I am also grateful to the club’s owners for their support as we look to shape our squad for next season. Their backing means a great deal and I will continue to work closely with them as we look to the future.”

Brown, speaking after putting pen to paper, said; “I’ve been here for five years and I’m delighted to have been offered this new deal because this is a fantastic football club that’s going in the right direction.

“I stayed here following relegation because this is such a great club. The supporters are brilliant and we have a huge fan base.

“We have new owners who are looking to move the club forward, and it’s an exciting time to be here. I am very pleased to be here and to be able to sign a new contract as I believe there are exciting times ahead for the club.”

Lee first arrived at the club in the summer of 2011 and was one of the many signings made by former boss Paul Buckle at that time.

He began his career with Queens Park Rangers and graduated through the ranks at Loftus Road, earning his first professional contract in July 2008, making his first team debut on 24th April 2010, against Barnsley, at Oakwell.

During his time with QPR Lee also enjoyed loan spells with Salisbury City and Hayes & Yeading.

Lee made his Rovers league debut on the opening day of the 2011/12 season and scored his first goal for the club in the 4-1 defeat at Crawley on 3rd September 2011.

Although he is a recognised full back, former manager Mark McGhee played him on the left of midfield on a number of occasions after his appointment.

However the appointment of John Ward as manager saw Lee move back to play in his favoured position and the tough tackling defender went on to enjoy a successful spell in the second half of the 2012/13 campaign.

He reached the milestone of 100 league starts for the club in 2013/14 and although out of contract in the summer, he was offered a new deal to remain at the Memorial Stadium and signed a two year contract in the summer of 2014 even though he knew that he would be spending at least the first year of that contract playing in The Vanarama Conference.

Having won international honours with the England 'C' team last season, Lee scored one of the penalties in the shootout against Grimsby Town in last season’s Promotion Play Off Final.

This season he is the only ever present member of the side, having played in every minute of every game to date and he has scored 17 goals in his 205 league games.

In addition he has appeared in another 26 games for the club, in cups and play offs, and he is the third longest serving player at the club after Ollie Clarke and Ellis Harrison.