? Mike Kunz
Yeovil Town have announced former midfielder Charlie Lee has rejoined the club on a short-term deal as assistant manager to Darren Sarll.
Sarll has been looking for a new right-hand man since the departure of Terry Skiverton to join the first-team coaching set-up at League One Charlton Athletic last month.
Speaking about his return, Lee said he “can’t wait” for first time match on the Huish Park touchline as assistant against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.
The 35-year-old said: “I’m really excited about it. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m going to learn so much, obviously there is a lot for me to learn. I’m new to the role but there’s a lot of things I know I can bring, whether that be day-to-day, with the team or away from the team. I’ll bring a lot of energy.
“I’ve been in football for a long-time, I’ve helped out before with things that the coaches are normally involved in, even when I was here as a player. For that to be my focus, it’s really exciting and I can’t wait for the game on Saturday.”
Delighted to be back? https://t.co/3XBsTiy5wr
— Charlie Lee (@charlielee06) February 17, 2022
Lee has coaching experience with youth teams at some of his former clubs Leyton Orient and Stevenage and, as a player, has tasted promotion on five separate occasions with Peterborough United, Gillingham and Orient.
Darren Sarll said it took “a three-minute conversation” to persuade his former skipper to return to Somerset having retired from playing whilst at National League South side Billericay Town in December.
The manager said: ” I think the appointment of Charlie highlights so many wonderful things about the club. Firstly, Charlie was desperate to come back and work for me and really try and impact the players with his experience, winning mentality and character.
“Secondly, it goes to show how much he loves and has connected with this Football Club. This was a three-minute conversation and we had an agreement, I think that says it all about the man and his willingness to make a difference.
“Sure, there are certain aspects of the role he’ll have to learn, but who knows winning better than Charlie? Not many. He’ll be an excellent foil for me and a perfect bridge to a young changing room, his enthusiasm will help me continue the path this team is on. I am truly delighted he is back where he belongs.”
Nick Crittenden did help out for the derby against W*ymouth last month, but Sarll was keen to add someone on a full-time role until the end of the season.
? Mike Kunz
Lee played more than 60 times across two seasons in the Glovers’ midfield before leaving Huish Park at the end of last season and joining Billericay at the start of this season.
He announced his retirement from full-time playing citing back problems, but has been spotted playing Sunday League football in recent weeks.
Welcome back to Huish Park, Charlie!