Lee Barnard Signs for The Blues

A Billericay boy, he has signed a two and a half year deal until 2010.

He has had several loan spells at Exeter City (2002), The Borient (2004-05), Stevenage (2004), Northampton Town (2005) and, of course, Crewe (2007), where he played in the 3-0 win against the Railwayman.

A prolific goalscorer at reserve team level for Tottenham Hotspur, Barnard turned pro with Spurs in July 2002.

He went on to score 17 goals in 17 starts for the reserves in the 2004/05 season, including hat-tricks against Arsenal and Derby. Lee followed this up with 18 goals in 19 appearances the very next season which ended up with three first team matches after a debut v Man. U.

Since then he has picked up the odd ankle injury where the last one in October forced his return to Spurs. Then having returned to Gresty Road in December he scored three goals in nine games.

Lee has been handed shirt number 18 and the 23-year old can play tonight, I would expect him on the subs bench at least.

I remember him as a handful when he played for Crewe and everyone at TLG wishes him the best of luck at the Hall.