Lee Bradbury made over 572 senior appearances and scored a century of goals in his professional career, which began at Isle of Wight club Plessey.
When Lee signed for Manchester City for £3.5million in 1997, he was the club’s record signing. His total transfer fees between clubs came to a total of £5.3million.
Lee was born in Cowes and began playing football at Somerton Middle School, where he became club captain, leading the team to a 3-year unbeaten run. At Cowes High School, he played for a team that reached the final of a national cup competition at Goodison Park, where he played alongside Gary Rowett (now manager of Championship side Oxford United).
The former Manchester City million pound man began his men’s football career at Plessey Reserves in the Isle of Wight League, aged 14. At the age of 15, he wrote to all 92 Football League clubs, requesting a trial. When unsuccessful, he joined the British Army the day after his 16th birthday.
Lee became a frontline rifleman in Northern Ireland, where he toured for 2 years. He played football for the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, where his footballing skills were said to have been better than his soldiering abilities.
Warrant Officer Bob Jeffrey said of Bradbury at the time:
“His accuracy with a football is better than with a rifle.”
During his army career, Lee played occasional games for Cowes Sports, including in a memorable Gold Cup semi final against Newport when he scored a brace in their 4-3 victory.
Lee’s footballing luck changed when he went on a tour of Fratton Park when training to become a PTI instructor. During the visit, the army’s football manager urged Pompey to take a look at him.
Portsmouth took Lee on a pre-season tour of Scotland, where he came on as sub in 3 games and scored in each. Pompey bought him out the army and signed him on.
Bradbury’s big chance came in 1996 after an injury to Paul Walsh. He went on to play 12 first division games in the 1995/96 season.
The following season, he scored 17 goals and won the club’s Player of the Season Award. His most memorable performance came when he hammered home the winner in an FA Cup tie against Leeds United.
He was also capped for England at the under-21 level.
Manchester City then came calling.
Unfortunately, Lee suffered a hairline fracture to his back during his first season at Maine Road, forcing him out of action for 4 months. His time at Manchester was not a success, leading to fans unkindly suggesting the ‘r’s be removed from his surname.
In 1998, Bradbury was signed by Terry Venables for Crystal Palace for £1.5million. He then played for Birmingham City on loan before being transferred back to his original professional club: Pompey – managed at the time by World Cup winner Alan Ball.
Lee made a hundred appearances for Portsmouth during his second spell at the club, during which he helped Harry Redknapp win the Championship and return to the Premier League.
After leaving Pompey, Lee went on to play for Oxford United and Southend United before finishing his career at Bournemouth, where he made 126 appearances in a variety of positions: striker, midfielder and full back.
When manager Eddie Howe left Bournemouth in 2011, Bradbury became first caretaker, then permanent manager. Bournemouth finished the season in 6th place, losing in the play-off semi-finals to Huddersfield Town.
Bradbury’s next job as manager was at Havant & Waterlooville. In 2016/17, the Hawks won the Isthmian League, with Lee scooping the Manager-of-the-Year Award. The following season, Havant won the National League South at their first attempt, gaining promotion to the top tier of non-league football.
However, the Hawks were not prepared to play at a higher level, with their players unwilling to train 3 times a week. The club were relegated back to National League South the following season, with Bradbury leaving the club.
Lee then managed Eastbourne Borough, became assistant manager of League 2 Crawley Town, following which he was manager of National League Eastleigh. After departing Eastleigh, he talent scouted for Arsenal.
Bradbury is currently coaching at League 2 Port Vale.
Lee married Hayley from Newport. His son Harvey has become a professional footballer, who played for Oxford United. Lee and Harvey are the first father and son to have played for the club. Harvey currently plays for Havant and Waterlooville.
Bradbury experienced tragedy in 2016 when he witnessed his friend Ryan McKinlay die in a boating accident in Osborne Bay. This led to his being diagnosed for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He has subsequently raised money for PTSD charities.
Lee attributes much of his success as a footballer to his army background, saying:
“All the things the Army gave me were invaluable, and I wouldn’t change that.
“I served in Northern Ireland for 2 years in Omagh. It made me grow up very quick. It gave me a different outlook to football than I would have. I saw football as a hobby I got paid for when I turned professional.
“I grew up in the playground dreaming of being a professional footballer. It took me a lot longer than some to realise my dream, but I got there in the end.”
Great article. Keep them coming.
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