Thanks, No Thanks – Ipswich Town

Thanks – Lee Beevers

Lee Beevers was an Ipswich youth and although he didn’t come directly from them, it seems only fair to issue a word or two of thanks for nurturing a real Lincoln legend.

He caught the eye whilst playing for county rivals Boston United after starting out at Portman Road. His impressive performances convinced a promotion chasing Keith Alexander to spend an ‘undisclosed amount’ to bring him to Sincil Bank. Although primarily a right back Lee found himself employed all across the defence, often in the left back position. Whilst employed out of position he still put in committed and full-bloodied performances. He continued to do the same after Keith left, and looked perhaps his most settled whilst playing under Peter Jackson.

All good things must come to an end and eventually, Beevers opted to sign for Colchester, which represented a climb up the football ladder for him. He always committed himself to City and left having made over 170 outings in an Imps shirt.

In May of 2015, Lee signed a new 2-year deal with City after being released by Mansfield Town. His arrival was thought by some to be no more than to offer cover for the defensive positions, assuming he would be past his best. A difficult 2015/16 season saw him utilised at left back, and although he performed adequately, it did look like his last season at National League level.

The arrival of Danny and Nicky Cowley changed all that, and at the start of the 2016/17 season, he began to show the sort of form he had exhibited the very first time he played for Lincoln. He slotted in at his preferred right back and was a revelation, prompting many fans to favour keeping Bradley Wood in midfield to allow Beevers a run in the team. Indeed, when he was dropped and Tom Champion came into the side, the Imps went on a losing run. When Lee was restored to the team we went on yet another unbeaten run.

Tragically Lee suffered a ruptured patella tendon during our home win against Boreham Wood in October 2016, an injury that ended his professional career. He was the recipient of a benefit match in July 2017 against Walsall, despite his injury he took to the field for a couple of minutes in his final Imps performance