Lee Bell

For other uses, see Lee Bell (disambiguation).
Lee Bell

Bell in 2010
Personal information
Full name Lee Bell[1]
Date of birth (1983-01-26) 26 January 1983[1]
Place of birth Alsager, England
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Playing position Midfielder
Youth career
1997–2002 Crewe Alexandra
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2007 Crewe Alexandra 53 (3)
2003 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) 3 (0)
2005 → Burton Albion (loan) 6 (1)
2007 Burton Albion 12 (0)
2007–2008 Mansfield Town 23 (1)
2008–2010 Macclesfield Town 83 (3)
2010–2012 Crewe Alexandra 75 (1)
2012–2015 Burton Albion 82 (6)
2015 → Macclesfield Town (loan) 10 (3)
Total 347 (18)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.


Lee Bell (born 26 January 1983) is an English former professional footballer who last played as a midfielder for Macclesfield Town, on loan from Burton Albion.

He began his career at Crewe Alexandra, also representing Burton Albion, Mansfield Town and Macclesfield Town, before returning in succession to Crewe, Burton Albion and latterly Macclesfield Town on loan from Burton. Bell retired from playing in the summer of 2015, aged 32, and rejoined Crewe as under-18s coach.[2]

Career

Crewe Alexandra

Bell was born in Alsager, Cheshire.[1] He is a product of the Crewe Alexandra academy system, having signed schoolboy terms with the club in 1997, on the same day as David Vaughan.[3]

In January 2001 he had a training ground bust-up with Colin Cramb, who subsequently left Gresty Road and indeed the country.[3] Despite this, Bell was awarded a professional contract in February 2001.[4] He made his debut for the first team, coming on as a substitute on the opening day of the 2002–03 season against Northampton Town.[5] A week later to his debut, Bell scored his first professional goal, in a 2-0 win over Colchester United.[6] His playing time at Crewe soon earned him a new contract in February 2003.[7] He made 22 appearances in the 2002–03 promotion campaign, mostly as a substitute.[8]

However, in the 2003-04 season, Bell lost his first team place following the arrival of Justin Cochrane[9] and joined Football Conference side, Shrewsbury on loan in October 2003,[10] but an injury restricted his opportunities and he returned to Crewe in January 2004.[11] Bell established himself in the first team in December 2004, starting 18 times in the remainder of the 2004–05 season,[12] and signed a new two-year contract in June 2005.[13]

After falling down the pecking order at the start of the 2005–06 season, Bell joined Burton Albion on a one-month loan in October 2005,[14] which was extended for a further month.[15] After a two months loan spell at Burton Albion, Bell returned to Crewe[16] and made 18 appearances in the 2005–06 season.[17] During in which, Bell scored two more goals against Reading[18] and Brighton & Hove Albion.[19]

A broken foot and an ankle injury caused Bell to miss the start of the 2006–07 season.[20] After being limited to one first team appearance, he had a request to leave Crewe granted in January 2007,[21] and joined Burton Albion on a contract until the end of the season.[22] After making twellve appearance for the club, Bell was released by the club.[23]

Mansfield Town

After leaving Burton Albion, Bell went on a trial at Mansfield Town.[24] Following a successful trial, Bell joined Mansfield Town in August 2007.[25] Bell made his Mansfield Town debut in the opening game of the season, in a 1-1 draw against Brentford[26] and then scored his first Mansfield Town goal, in a 2-1 loss against Morecambe on 12 February 2008.[27]

He made 27 appearances for Mansfield in the 2007–08 season,[28] before suffering a serious knee injury in February 2008 that ruled him out for most of the rest of the season.[29]

Macclesfield Town

After Mansfield Town were relegated to the Conference National at the end of the 2007–08 season, Bell was released by the club,[30] and joined Macclesfield Town on a one-year contract.[31]

After being on the bench in the opening game of the season against Shrewsbury Town, Bell made his Macclesfield Town debut, in a 2-0 loss against Bradford City on 16 August 2008.[32] Four months on 12 December 2008, Bell scored his first goal for the club, in a 4-2 win over Chesterfield.[33] He impressed at the club in 2008–09, making a total of 47 appearances, and signed a one-year extension to his contract in June 2009.[34][35]

He played 44 games in 2009–10, where he scored two goals against Dagenham & Redbridge[36] and Barnet.[37] As a result, Bell was voted the club's Player of the Year.[34][38] However,Bell was released by the club, along with ten other players, in May 2010.[39]

Crewe Alexandra (second spell)

He was re-signed by Crewe on a two-year contract in May 2010, with manager Dario Gradi looking to add experience to the squad.[40] Upon re-signing for Crewe Alexandra, Bell revealed he took a pay-cut, in order to join the club despite interests.[41]

Bell's first appearance since leaving the club three years ago came in the opening game of the season when they lost 1-0 to Hereford United.[42] During the season, Bell was one of three regular club captains during the 2010–11 season, along with David Artell and Ashley Westwood.[43] Bell scored his first goal for the club and set up the fifth goal for Clayton Donaldson in a 5-5 draw thriller against Chesterfield on 2 October 2010.[44] However, Bell was in confrontation row with the club's supporters, which resulted Bell spating. The incident caused Bell to apologise.[45] He went on to make forty-four league appearance for the club during the 2011-12 season, having missed one game, due to suspension after a second bookable offence.[46]

Ahead of the 2011-12 season, Bell said he was willing to share the captaincy with Artell and Westwood for the second time.[47] Unfortunately, Bell suffered an injury when he suffered a groin injury, which required him to go under the knife.[48][49] In a draw against Crawley Town on 2 April 2012, Bell was at fault when he gave a penalty when he handled, allowing Crawley Town successfully converted to make it 1-1.[50][51] Bell went on to make thirty appearance for the club.

He helped the club to reach the play-offs in 2011–12, and was a last second substitute as the "Railwaymen" secured victory in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium.[52] However he was released by new boss Steve Davis a few days later, and was heavily linked with a move to nearby Port Vale.[53]

Burton Albion

After leaving Crewe Alexandra for the second time, Bell went on trial at Burton Albion, linking with them for the third time of his career.[54] Bell was then involved in a pre season friendly against Aston Villa, which he impressed during the trial.[55] Following a short trial, Bell signed a one-year contract with Burton Albion.[56]

Bell re-debut for Burton Albion for the third time in the first round of League Cup, in a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United and played 120 minutes. Bell was the only Burton Albion's player to be missed, as they beat them 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.[57] In the next game in the opening game of the season against Rotherham United, Bell started in the match, but was sent-off in the 62nd minutes after a second bookable offense, in a 3-0 lost.[58] After serving a suspension, Bell was able to make amends when he scored his first Burton Albion goal of the season, in a 3-1 win over York City on 19 September 2012.[59] In the second round of the FA Cup, Bell captained Burton Albion for the first time against his former club, Crewe.[60] Weeks later, on 29 December 2012, Bell scored his second goal for the club and setting up the second goal of the game, in a 2-0 win over Southend United.[61] Bell later added two more goals later in the season against Exeter City[62] and Dagenham & Redbridge.[63] During the season, Bell, who had captain the team for a number of games during the season, helped the club with their highest ever finish in the football league. Their 4th place in League Two saw them face Bradford City in the playoffs. Bell, however, received a 4-game suspension for a red card given towards the end of the season and was unavailable for the final, should Burton Albion have reached it.[64] After the club unsuccessfully win the play-offs, Bell made forty-three appearance in his first full season at the club. Despite this, Bell was nominated for the club's Player of the Year[65] and was rewarded with a new one-year contract in April 2013.[66]

In the 2013-14 season, Bell was appointed as the new club captain.[67] Bell continued to be in the first team regular. However, Bell was in and out of the starting eleven squad during the season, due to competing over the starting eleven spot, which saw him on the substitute bench.[68] Later in the season, Bell scored his first goal of the season, in a 3-0 win over Hartlepool United on 19 April 2014.[69] For the second time running. Bell helped the club reach the play-offs by finishing sixth place and ultimately reaching the final, which they lost 1-0 against Fleetwood Town.[70] After making thirty-four appearance for the club, Bell was once again rewarded with a one-year contract extension for the second time running.[71]

In the 2014-15 season, Bell missed the start of the season, due to a knee injury, which he sustained in the play-offs final three month ago.[72] After making a brief return against Mansfield Town,[73] Bell find himself competing with newly signing John Mousinho over the starting eleven squad.[74] Despite the first team limit, Bell scored his first Burton Albion goal of the season, in a 4-3 win over Carlisle United on 21 October 2014.[75] Following Gary Rowett's departure to Birmingham City, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was appointed new Manager of the club. Under his management, Bell was rarely used in the first team and made only one substitute appearance.[76] As a result, Bell was informed by Hasslebaink that he would not feature in the team and he should look for a move.[77]

Macclesfield Town (loan) and Retirement

On transfer deadline day 2 February 2015, Bell returned to Macclesfield Town on loan until the end of the season.[78] Bell's first appearance for Macclesfield Town since leaving the club five years ago came on 7 February 2015, playing 90 minutes, in a 3-2 win over Welling United.[79] Bell then scored three goals in three consecutive matches between 6 April 2015 and 18 April 2015 against Wrexham[80] Forest Green Rovers,[81] and Dartford.[82] Upon returning to his parent club, Bell was released by the club.[83]

Bell retired from playing in the summer of 2015, aged 32, and rejoined Crewe as under-18s coach.[2]

Career statistics

As of 11 December 2013.
Club performance League Cup League Cup Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
England League FA Cup League Cup Total
2002–03[84]Crewe AlexandraSecond Division1712000231
2003–04[85]Crewe AlexandraFirst Division30000030
2003–04[85]Shrewsbury TownConference National30000040
2004–05[86]Crewe AlexandraChampionship1701000180
2005–06[87]Crewe AlexandraChampionship1721000182
2005–06[87]Burton AlbionConference National61000061
2006–07[88]Crewe AlexandraLeague One00001010
2006–07[88]Burton AlbionConference National1200000120
2007–08[89]Mansfield TownLeague Two2314010271
2008–09[90]Macclesfield TownLeague Two4213020471
2009–10[91]Macclesfield TownLeague Two4221010442
2010–11[92]Crewe AlexandraLeague Two4511020502
2011–12[93]Crewe AlexandraLeague Two3301010350
2012–13[94]Burton AlbionLeague Two4344030504
2012–13[94]Burton AlbionLeague Two4114020471
Career total 3441422013038514
Notes

Personal life

Bell was a columnists for the Burton Mail.[67]

Honours

Individual
with Crewe Alexandra

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 40. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. 1 2 "Neil Baker swaps roles as Crewe Alex announce changes to management structure". Crewe Chronicle. 24 August 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Mission accomplished as Bell ends Alex career on Wembley high". The Sentinel. 31 May 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  4. ↑ "Payback time". Crewe Chronicle. 7 January 2004. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  5. ↑ "Northampton Town 1-1 Crewe Alexandra". BBC Sport. 10 August 2002. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  6. ↑ "Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Colchester United". BBC Sport. 17 August 2002. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  7. ↑ "Crewe trio earn new deals". BBC Sport. 13 February 2003. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  8. ↑ "Crewe 2002/2003 player appearances". Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  9. ↑ "Bell goes in search of first-team action". Crewe Chronicle. 15 October 2003. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  10. ↑ "Shrews seal Bell deal". BBC Sport. 2 October 2003. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  11. ↑ "Shrews sever Bell ties". BBC Sport. 7 January 2004. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  12. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  13. ↑ "Trio sign new contracts at Crewe". BBC Sport. 30 June 2005. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  14. ↑ "Bell joins Burton Albion on loan". BBC Sport. 8 October 2005. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  15. ↑ "Burton extend Bell's loan spell". BBC Sport. 7 November 2005. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  16. ↑ "CLOUGH WANTS TAYLOR RETURN". Burton Mail. 6 January 2006. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  17. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  18. ↑ "Goals galore in battle Royal!". Crewe Chronicle. 8 February 2006. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  19. ↑ "Crewe Alexandra 2 - 1 Brighton and Hove Albion". BBC Sport. 25 February 2006. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  20. ↑ "Midfielder Bell back in training". BBC Sport. 18 October 2006. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  21. ↑ "Bell opens door to Burton switch". BBC Sport. 10 January 2007. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  22. ↑ "Midfielder Bell signs for Burton". BBC Sport. 31 January 2007. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  23. ↑ "Holmes signs new deal". Burton Mail. 2 May 2007. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  24. ↑ "Heartbreak for D'Laryea". Mansfield and Ashfield Chad. 17 July 2007. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  25. ↑ "Stags sign up Bell and Boulding". BBC Sport. 3 August 2007. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  26. ↑ "Brentford 1 - 1 Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. 11 August 2007. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  27. ↑ "Mansfield Town 1 - 2 Morecambe". BBC Sport. 12 February 2008. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  28. ↑ "Mansfield 2007/2008 player appearances". Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  29. ↑ "Bell fears early finish to season". BBC Sport. 20 February 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  30. ↑ "Seven players to leave Mansfield". BBC Sport. 16 May 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2008.
  31. ↑ "A great move for me". Macclesfield Town FC. 21 May 2008. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2008.
  32. ↑ "Macclesfield Town 0 - 2 Bradford City". BBC Sport. 16 August 2008. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  33. ↑ "Chesterfield 2 - 4 Macclesfield Town". Macclesfield Express. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  34. 1 2 "Profile". mtfc.co.uk. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  35. ↑ "Lee's not Leaving". Macclesfield Express. 22 April 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  36. ↑ "Dagenham & Redbridge 3 - 1 Macclesfield Town". BBC Sport. 22 March 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  37. ↑ "Barnet 1 - 2 Macclesfield Town". BBC Sport. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  38. ↑ "Honours for Bell and Brain". Macclesfield Express. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  39. ↑ "Macclesfield Town release Jon Brain but make Rooney offer". BBC Sport. 14 May 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  40. ↑ "Midfielder Lee Bell returns to Crewe Alexandra". BBC Sport. 21 May 2010. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  41. ↑ "Crewe Alex: Lee Bell's Salary sacrifice paves the way home". Crewe Chronicle. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  42. ↑ "'DON'T panic' was the message from Dario Gradi after defeat to Hereford". Crewe Chroncile. 11 August 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  43. ↑ "Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi to rotate captaincy". BBC Sport. 6 August 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  44. ↑ "Chesterfield 5 - 5 Crewe Alexandra". BBC Sport. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  45. ↑ "Crewe Alex: Familiar collapse for Crewe in 10-goal thriller (PICS)". Stoke Sentinel. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  46. ↑ "Crewe Alex: Lee Bell is sweating on his place". Crewe Chronicle. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  47. ↑ "Bell happy at shared role". Sky Sports. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  48. ↑ "Team news: Oxford United v Crewe Alexandra". Crewe Chronicle. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  49. ↑ "Crewe Alex: Bell set to go under the knife to mend hernia". Crewe Chronicle. 18 January 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  50. ↑ "Crewe Alex: 'Inconsolable' Lee Bell not to blame, says Steve Phillips". Crewe Chronicle. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  51. ↑ "Crawley Town 1 - 1 Crewe Alexandra". BBC Sport. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  52. ↑ Begley, Emlyn (27 May 2012). "Nick Powell's stunning volley set Crewe Alexandra on their way to League Two play-off final delight as they defeated Cheltenham at Wembley to win promotion.". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  53. ↑ "Port Vale talk has familiar ring for Crewe outcast Lee Bell". The Sentinel. 31 May 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  54. ↑ "Albion hand Bell another chance". Burton Mail. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  55. ↑ "Match Report: Burton Albion 1 - 2 Aston Villa". Burton Albion F.C. 18 July 2012. Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  56. ↑ "Bell sign a one year deal". Burton Albion F.C. 31 July 2012. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  57. ↑ "Sheffield United 2 - 2 Burton Ablion (4-5 on penalty shoot-out)". BBC Sport. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  58. ↑ "Rotherham 3-0 Burton Albion". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  59. ↑ "Burton Albion 3 - 1 York City". BBC Sport. 19 September 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  60. ↑ "Zola makes happy return as Albion's cup of joy overflows". Burton Mail. 3 December 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  61. ↑ "Burton Albion 2 - 0 Southend United". BBC Sport. 29 December 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  62. ↑ "Burton Albion 4 - 2 Exeter City". BBC Sport. 23 February 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  63. ↑ "Dagenham & Redbridge 2 - 2 Burton Albion". BBC Sport. 16 March 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  64. ↑ "Bradford City 1 - 0 Burton Albion". BBC Sport. 20 April 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  65. ↑ "Banned Lee Bell has spirits lifted with player gong". Burton Mail. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  66. ↑ "Bell pens Burton extension". Sky Sports. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  67. 1 2 "Lee Bell's weekly Burton Albion column". Burton Mail. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  68. ↑ "Gary Rowett pleased to have a midfield headache at Burton Albion". Burton Mail. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  69. ↑ "Burton Albion 3 - 0 Hartlepool United". BBC Sport. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  70. ↑ "Burton Albion 0 - 1 Fleetwood Town". BBC Sport. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  71. ↑ "EIGHT PLAYERS AGREE NEW DEALS". Burton Albion F.C. 29 May 2014. Archived from the original on 2 June 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  72. ↑ "Burton Albion man Lee Bell suffers minor setback in training". Burton Mail. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  73. ↑ "Mansfield Town 1, Burton Albion 2 - full-time report". Burton Mail. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  74. ↑ "BURTON ALBION: Gary Rowett happy to see Lee Bell back in the Brewers midfield". Burton Mail. 24 October 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  75. ↑ "Carlisle United 3 - 4 Burton Albion". BBC Sport. 21 October 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  76. ↑ "BURTON ALBION: Sharps and Bell told they can leave the Brewers". Burton Mail. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  77. ↑ "Lee Bell and Ian Sharps allowed to leave Burton Albion". BBC Sport. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  78. ↑ "Transfer Deadline Day: Lee Bell joins Macclesfield from Burton". BBC SPORT. 2 February 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  79. ↑ "Macclesfield Town 3-2 Welling United". BBC Sport. 7 February 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  80. ↑ "Macclesfield Town 2-2 Wrexham". BBC Sport. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  81. ↑ "Forest Green Rovers 3 - 1 Macclesfield Town". BBC Sport. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  82. ↑ "Macclesfield Town 2 - 0 Dartford". BBC Sport. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  83. ↑ "END OF SEASON RETAINED LIST". Burton Albion F.C. 5 May 2015. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  84. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  85. 1 2 "Games played by Lee Bell in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  86. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  87. 1 2 "Games played by Lee Bell in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  88. 1 2 "Games played by Lee Bell in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  89. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  90. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  91. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  92. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  93. ↑ "Games played by Lee Bell in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  94. 1 2 "Games played by Lee Bell in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
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