Gordon Lee

Everton Lee switched to Everton in January 1977 to replace sacked manager Billy Bingham. He also later signed Arsenal midfielder Trevor Ross and gave centre-half Billy Wright his debut. Everton finished third in the table, two points behind Liverpool, and nine points behind champions Nottingham Forest. Lee swapped Mickey Walsh to Queens Park Rangers for Peter Eastoe, and also bought midfielder Asa Hartford for £400,000. However, Everton dropped down to 19th in 1979–80, just one place and four points above relegated Bristol City. He did, though lead the club to the FA Cup semi-finals, where they were beaten at Elland Road 2–1 by West Ham United in a replay, Frank Lampard scoring the winning goal in extra time.

Lee handed débuts to midfielders Steve McMahon and Kevin Richardson, and defender Kevin Ratcliffe. Well respected by the players, Lee was sacked by chairman Philip Carter on 6 May 1981, having led the team to a 15th-place finish in 1980–81, five places but only three points above relegated Norwich City.

Preston North End Lee was appointed manager at Preston North End on 9 December 1981, taking the post vacated by Tommy Docherty. He led the "Lilywhites" to a 14th-place finish in the Third Division in 1981–82, with the club losing only once in their last 13 games.

Personal life Gordon Francis Lee was born in the village of Pye Green – in Cannock Chase District – on 13 July 1934; he grew up in the village of Heath Hayes.

Career statistics Playing statistics

Managerial statistics

Honours As a player Aston Villa Football League Cup: 1960–61; runner-up 1962–63