Published on April 14, 2020
A GOALKEEPING coach who gave his “heart and soul” to Eastbourne Town has died, the club has announced.
Roger Lee, 73, died on April 11 and his passing was met with hundreds of messages of condolence on social media.
Beachy Head Ultras, one of the club’s fan groups, Tweeted: “RIP Roger, one of the biggest characters in non-league football.”
John Lambert, manager of the Saffrons side, first met Mr Lee during his playing days at Sidley United before the pair joined Eastbourne to form a coaching team.
Mr Lambert said that it was the dedication of his goalkeeper coach which held him in high regard amongst players, fans and colleagues.
“Roger was a club man who gave his heart and soul to the football club and that’s how I’ll remember him.
“He attended the Under-23s games, lots of the Under-18s games and even the women’s team,” he said.
While Mr Lambert spoke highly of Mr Lee’s professionalism and proficiency as a coach, he laughed as he recalled memories of his close friend voicing his opinion to referees.
“He liked to offer his opinion straight after the whistle when we went out to shake the referee’s hand.
“I can see him out there now berating the referee, but that’s how he was and he said as he thought,” he added.
It is the club’s intention to pay tribute to Mr Lee once football returns to the Saffrons.
Mr Lambert said: “There will be a big send-off for Roger when we can all get together again, I can promise you that.”
