Former Boston United player-manager Jason Lee wants to modernise PFA as he applies for chief executive role

Jason Lee wants the top PFA job.Jason Lee wants the top PFA job.
Jason Lee wants the top PFA job.
Former striker says he has 'the skills and competencies to step forward'...

Former Boston United manager Jason Lee wants to shake up the Professional Footballers' Association after applying to replace Gordon Taylor as chief executive.

Lee, 49, has put his name forward - along with ex-Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters and current PFA chairman and ex-Sheffield United defender Ben Purkiss - for the top job at the players' union.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve been involved in football for 34 years and I’ve been involved in administration for the best part of 10 years. I believe I’ve got the skills and competencies to step forward,” Lee, currently the PFA's equalities and education executive, told talkSPORT.

“I’ve definitely got the courage and conviction to lead an organisation.

“I certainly believe we need to galvanise and continue to engage with our membership – that’s the most important thing.

People assume that we’ve maybe become out of touch, but I know for the best part of 10 years that I’ve been here I’ve been face-to-face with our membership and players and be on the front foot.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That needs to be across the whole organisation, so for me that’s vitally important. The players have to trust in us and vice versa; then we’ll be able to make changes.

Lee celebrates scoring at Histon. Photo: David ShipmanLee celebrates scoring at Histon. Photo: David Shipman
Lee celebrates scoring at Histon. Photo: David Shipman

“Without their implementation and things that we want to do – remember we’re player led. It’s not just me coming up with ideas about what I would like to do."

Taylor will leave the role, which he has held for 40 years, at the end of the current season.

Lee's playing career has seen the striker play for clubs including Nottingham Forest, Charlton Athletic, Notts County, Chesterfield, Peterborough United and Northampton Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He first joined Boston in 2004 during the club's Football League years.

In Football League action against Rochdale.In Football League action against Rochdale.
In Football League action against Rochdale.

He returned briefly in 2010 before taking on the player-manager role - firstly alongside Lee Canoville and then later on his own - from 2011 to 2012.

“People that have been working within the PFA understand that there are changes that need to be made. I’m definitely in favour of modernisation involving the PFA,” Lee added.

“The PFA needs to be more resourceful as well – and spend money in other areas. The PFA is not as big as people assume.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ve got 60 plus staff and do our best for our members, but that (number) needs increasing. Wellbeing is very important, and we’re tackling things like dementia – all things to help our membership.

“We know what needs to be done and it’s just about ensuring the right money is spend in the right areas and then we can provide a really good service for our players.”

MORE PILGRIMS: Record-equalling Bazza shirt sells for more than £1,000

MORE PILGRIMS: Club joins Let Us Play campaign

MORE PILGRIMS: Clubs discus legal action following vote to end season

MORE PILGRIMS: Ending season a bitter blow - Newton

MORE PILGRIMS: Season declared null and void - latest

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice