Lee Jonathan Beevers (born 4 December 1983) is a former professional footballer who played as a defender or midfielder. He previously had spells with Ipswich Town, Boston United, Lincoln City, Colchester United, Walsall and Mansfield Town. Born in England, he made seven appearances for the Wales U21 national team.

Lee Beevers
Beevers playing for Mansfield Town in 2013
Personal information
Full name Lee Jonathan Beevers[1]
Date of birth (1983-12-04) 4 December 1983 (age 40)
Place of birth Doncaster, England
Position(s) Defender, midfielder
Youth career
2000–2001 Ipswich Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2003 Ipswich Town 0 (0)
2003Boston United (loan) 1 (0)
2003–2005 Boston United 71 (3)
2004–2009 Lincoln City 166 (9)
2009–2011 Colchester United 23 (0)
2011–2012 Walsall 35 (0)
2012–2015 Mansfield Town 97 (3)
2015–2017 Lincoln City 59 (0)
2018 Gainsborough Trinity 1 (0)
2018 Alfreton Town 12 (0)
2018 King's Lynn Town 0 (0)
2018–2019 Matlock Town 31 (0)
Total 496 (15)
International career
2005 Wales U21 7 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Ipswich Town

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Beevers was spotted by Ipswich Town scout Sonny Sweeney while playing in his hometown of Doncaster and began commuting to Ipswich at weekends to represent the club's School of Excellence, joining the club on a full-time basis as a scholar in July 2000 and signing his first professional contract in March 2001.[2] On 22 January 2003, Beevers and fellow young professional Steve Burton were told by Ipswich's manager Joe Royle that their contracts would not be renewed at the end of the season and that they were free to seek new clubs.[3] The following week, Beevers joined Boston United on trial[4] appearing for the club's reserve team in a 3–0 victory over Lincoln City's reserve team on 29 January 2003.[5] In February 2003 he joined Colchester United on trial[6] but he did not earn a contract from the club and returned to Portman Road.[7] On 26 March 2003 Beevers and fellow Ipswich Town youngster Robert Dickinson joined Boston United on loan until the end of the season.[8] Having been an unused substitute for the 2–1 home victory over Macclesfield Town on 26 April 2003, he made his Football League debut as an 82nd-minute substitute for Peter Costello in the 2–1 victory at Cambridge United on 3 May 2003.[9]

Boston United

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On 9 June 2003, Beevers agreed a one-year contract to join Boston United on a full-time basis.[10] His performances at Boston earned him numerous awards whilst at the club, and also got the attention of the Welsh national team, where he has represented his country at Under-21 level.

Beevers can play anywhere along the defensive line, however, his most adept position is right-back. Beevers has also demonstrated that he is capable of playing as a right-sided wing-back and in front of the defensive line as both a defensive midfielder and a central midfielder too.

Lincoln City

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His solid performances at Lincoln have earned him a lot of respect amongst the fans, as his performances at Boston did for their fans. In the 2005–06 season, he played a very vital role in the team, however, due to the teams tactical system back then, he sometimes got scrutinised for mistakes and was often the scapegoat when things weren't going too well. Thus far in the 2006–07 season, he has adapted very well to the new tactical system employed by new Head Coach Peter Jackson, and his form in various positions on the pitch has meant that he has been an ever-present in the squad.

Colchester United

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On 24 June 2009 he agreed to join Football League One outfit Colchester United on a two-year contract.[11]

Despite starting the first few games relatively brightly for Colchester United under then manager Paul Lambert, Beevers sustained an injury to his shoulder during a competitive match against Milton Keynes Dons. This resulted in him missing three months of the season, over which period he was plagued by other smaller injuries postponing his return to action. Due to his long absence and lack of fitness, he failed to make an impact in the 2009–10 season and didn't manage to break back into the starting line-up, only making a handful of substitution appearances.

Beevers started pre season in a new holding midfield role where he impressed enough to earn himself a sub appearance at Exeter. Despite making a handful of appearances, mainly from the bench, in 2010–11, he was released from his contract on 10 May 2011 and the U's continued shaping their squad for the new season.

Walsall

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Beevers signed a one-year contract with Walsall on 14 July 2011.[12]

Mansfield Town

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After one season with Walsall, Beevers signed for Mansfield Town on a one-year contract.[13] After making over 40 appearances and helping the club to the 2012–13 Conference National title, it was announced that Mansfield would be renewing Beevers' contract.[14] He was released from the Stags on 6 May 2015.[15]

Return to Lincoln City

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On 14 May 2015 Beevers returned to Lincoln City, signing a two-year contract following his release from Mansfield Town.[16] He made his second debut in a 1–1 draw with Cheltenham Town in the National League.[17]

Later career

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After temporarily retiring from the professional game, Beevers signed for Gainsborough Trinity on 5 January 2018, having been training with the club since the summer of 2017.[18] After just one appearance with Trinity, Beevers joined Alfreton Town as a player/first team coach.[19][20]

In July 2018, Beevers signed for King's Lynn Town as player/assistant manager.[21] He signed for Matlock Town in September 2018.[22]

Career statistics

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Club

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Ipswich Town 2002–03[23] First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Boston United 2002–03[a][23] Third Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2003–04[24] Third Division 40 2 1 0 0 0 2[b] 1 43 3
2004–05[25] League Two 31 1 4 0 2 1 1[b] 0 38 2
Total 72 3 5 0 2 1 3 1 82 5
Lincoln City 2004–05[25] League Two 8 0 0 0 0 0 2[c] 0 10 0
2005–06[26] League Two 33 1 2 0 2 1 3[d] 0 40 2
2006–07[27] League Two 44 5 1 0 1 1 3[d] 0 49 6
2007–08[28] League Two 37 1 0 0 0 0 1[b] 0 38 1
2008–09[29] League Two 44 2 2 0 1 0 1[b] 0 48 2
Total 166 9 5 0 4 2 10 0 185 11
Colchester United 2009–10[30] League One 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0
2010–11[31] League One 19 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 21 0
Total 23 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 26 0
Walsall 2011–12[32] League One 35 0 4 0 0 0 1[b] 0 40 0
Mansfield Town 2012–13[33] Conference Premier 36 1 5 0 0 0 41 1
2013–14[34] League Two 26 0 0 0 1 0 1[b] 0 28 0
2014–15[35] League Two 35 2 4 0 1 0 1[b] 0 41 2
Total 97 3 9 0 2 0 2 0 110 3
Lincoln City 2015–16[33] National League 44 0 3 0 0 0 47 0
2016–17[33] National League 15 0 2 0 0 0 17 0
Total 59 0 5 0 0 0 64 0
Gainsborough Trinity 2017–18[33] National League North 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Alfreton Town 2017–18[33] National League North 12 0 0 0 0 0 12 0
King's Lynn Town 2018–19[36] Southern League Premier Division Central 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Matlock Town 2018–19[37][38][39] Northern Premier League Premier Division 31 0 0 0 2[e] 0 33 0
Career total 496 15 29 0 10 3 18 1 553 19
  1. ^ This season was spent on loan from Ipswich Town
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Appearances in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in League Two play-offs
  4. ^ a b One appearance in Football League Trophy, two appearances in League Two play-offs
  5. ^ Appearances in Derbyshire Senior Cup

Honours

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Mansfield Town

Lincoln City

Individual

References

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  1. ^ Lee Beevers at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
  2. ^ "Lee Beevers". Ipswich Town F.C. Official Website. 17 November 2004. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  3. ^ "Burton and Beevers free to go". Ipswich Town F.C. Official Website. 22 January 2003. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  4. ^ "Lee joins Boston town party". Ipswich Town F.C. Official Website. 27 January 2003. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  5. ^ Craig Singleton (29 January 2003). "Lincoln City 0–3 Pilgrims". Boston United F.C. – The Original Website. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  6. ^ "U's take Beevers on trial". Colchester United F.C. Official Website. 17 February 2003. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  7. ^ "Johnson returns as U's let triallist Beevers go". Colchester United F.C. Official Website. 17 November 2004. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  8. ^ "Two join Boston on loan". Ipswich Town F.C. Official Website. 26 March 2003. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  9. ^ "Boston future for duo?". Ipswich Town F.C. Official Website. 9 May 2003. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  10. ^ "Beevers for Boston". Ipswich Town F.C. Official Website. 9 June 2003. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  11. ^ "U's flash – Beevers joins the U's". Colchester United F.C. Official Website. 24 June 2009. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  12. ^ "Walsall sign ex-Colchester United defender Lee Beevers". BBC Sport. 14 July 2011. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  13. ^ "Andy Owens and Lee Beevers join Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. 26 June 2012. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  14. ^ "Cox announces retained list". Mansfield Town Official Website. 3 May 2013. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  15. ^ Ventham, Dale (6 May 2015). "Mansfield Town release seven players". Football League World. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  16. ^ a b "Beevers Is Back!". Lincoln City FC. 14 May 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  17. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  18. ^ "Lee Beevers & Adam Smith Sign". Gainsborough Trinity F.C. 5 January 2018. Archived from the original on 7 January 2018.
  19. ^ "Ex-Stag Beevers is new first team coach at Alfreton". Chad. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  20. ^ "Alfreton Town FC on X". Twitter. 20 January 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  21. ^ "King's Lynn Town FC on X". Twitter. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  22. ^ Gordon, James (17 September 2018). "Two out, four in for Matlock". The Northern Premier League. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  24. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  25. ^ a b "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  26. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  27. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  28. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  29. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  30. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  31. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  32. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g Lee Beevers at Soccerway. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  34. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  35. ^ "Games played by Lee Beevers in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  36. ^ "Player Statistics Season 2018–19". www.thelinnets.co.uk. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  37. ^ "Match Facts". Gladiators: Matlock Town official matchday programme. vs Nantwich Town. 26 January 2019.
  38. ^ "Matlock Town | Appearances | Lee Beevers | 2018–2019". www.footballwebpages.co.uk. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  39. ^ "Hednesford Town 2–0 Matlock Town". Matlock Town FC. 30 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
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