The Blues youngsters get their competitive season up and running at home to Hadleigh United on Tuesday night, 7.45pm ko. And Lee, who was appointed in the summer and will be assisted by Bailey Jordan, can’t wait to get going.

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“Yes, I’m looking forward to it,” Lee, 24, said. “A lot of the boys have been with us at least a couple of seasons, so they know how we like to play.

“They’ve shown in pre-season that they are going to be competitive and hard working.

“We’ve got objectives, but the main focus is always on development, getting this team playing the right way and pushing for the U23s and beyond.”

Lee goes into his fourth season with the Blues having run Leiston teams in the Eastern Junior Alliance and girls’ sides.

“This is a good next step for me,” he said. “It’s great to have Bailey alongside me and I’m looking forward to working with Neil Smye and the rest of the senior staff.”

Admission prices for Tuesday night’s game at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium are adults £5, concessions (over 65s) £3, under 16s free.