Lee Bell
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Lee Bell
| image = Lee Bell.jpg
| caption = Lee Bell in March 2023
| fullname = Lee Bell{{cite book
| editor-first = Barry J.
| editor-last = Hugman
| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11
| year = 2010
| publisher = Mainstream Publishing
| location = Edinburgh
| isbn = 978-1-84596-601-0
| page = 40 }}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|1|26|df=y}}
| birth_place = Alsager, England
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}
| currentclub = Crewe Alexandra (manager)
| clubnumber =
| position = Midfielder
| youthyears1 = 1997–2002| youthclubs1 = Crewe Alexandra
| years1 = 2002–2007
| years2 = 2003
| years3 = 2005
| years4 = 2007
| years5 = 2007–2008
| years6 = 2008–2010
| years7 = 2010–2012
| years8 = 2012–2015
| years9 = 2015
| clubs1 = Crewe Alexandra
| clubs2 = → Shrewsbury Town (loan)
| clubs3 = → Burton Albion (loan)
| clubs4 = → Burton Albion (loan)
| clubs5 = Mansfield Town
| clubs6 = Macclesfield Town
| clubs7 = Crewe Alexandra
| clubs8 = Burton Albion
| clubs9 = → Macclesfield Town (loan)
| caps1 = 53| goals1 = 3
| caps2 = 3 | goals2 = 0
| caps3 = 6 | goals3 = 1
| caps4 = 12| goals4 = 0
| caps5 = 23| goals5 = 1
| caps6 = 83| goals6 = 3
| caps7 = 75| goals7 = 1
| caps8 = 82| goals8 = 6
| caps9 = 10| goals9 = 3
| totalcaps = 347
| totalgoals = 18
| manageryears1 = 2022–
| managerclubs1 = Crewe Alexandra
| club-update =
}}
Lee Bell (born 26 January 1983) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He is currently manager of Crewe Alexandra.
He began his career at Crewe Alexandra, also playing for 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, later becoming under-18s manager (January 2017), under-23s manager (March 2022), assistant first team manager (April 2022), and then first team manager (November 2022).
Playing career
=Crewe Alexandra=
Bell was born in Alsager, Cheshire 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.{{cite news|title=Mission accomplished as Bell ends Alex career on Wembley high|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Crewe-Alex-Mission-accomplished-Bell-ends-Alex/story-16238639-detail/story.html|accessdate=31 May 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=31 May 2012}}
In January 2001 he had a training ground bust-up with Colin Cramb, who subsequently left Gresty Road and indeed the country. Despite this, Bell was awarded a professional contract in February 2001.{{cite news|title=Payback time|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/payback-time-5660492|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=7 January 2004|accessdate=12 June 2016}} 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.{{cite news|title=Northampton Town 1-1 Crewe Alexandra|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/2181197.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2002|accessdate=12 June 2016}} A week later to his debut, Bell scored his first professional goal, in a 2–0 win over Colchester United.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Colchester United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/2195494.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 August 2002|accessdate=12 June 2016}} His playing time at Crewe soon earned him a new contract in February 2003.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/2758633.stm| title=Crewe trio earn new deals|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008 | date=13 February 2003}} He made 22 appearances in the 2002–03 promotion campaign, mostly as a substitute.Fr
However, in the 2003–04 season, Bell lost his first team place following the arrival of Justin Cochrane{{cite news|title=Bell goes in search of first-team action|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bell-goes-search-first-team-action-5662989|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=15 October 2003|accessdate=12 June 2016}} and joined Football Conference side, Shrewsbury on loan in October 2003,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/3159336.stm|title=Shrews seal Bell deal|date=2 October 2003|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} but an injury restricted his opportunities and he returned to Crewe in January 2004.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/3375633.stm|title=Shrews sever Bell ties|date=7 January 2004|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} Bell established himself in the first team in December 2004, starting 18 times in the remainder of the 2004–05 season,{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32241&season_id=134|title=Games played by Lee Bell in 2004/2005|work=Soccerbase|access-date=29 April 2008}} and signed a new two-year contract in June 2005.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/4638237.stm|title=Trio sign new contracts at Crewe |date=30 June 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}}
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,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burton_albion/4320128.stm|title=Bell joins Burton Albion on loan |date=8 October 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} which was extended for a further month.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burton_albion/4415104.stm|title=Burton extend Bell's loan spell |date=7 November 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} After a two-month loan spell at Burton Albion, Bell returned to Crewe{{cite news|title=Clough Wants Taylor to Return|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/CLOUGH-WANTS-TAYLOR-RETURN/story-21532165-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=6 January 2006|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612221313/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/CLOUGH-WANTS-TAYLOR-RETURN/story-21532165-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2016|url-status=dead}} and made 18 appearances in the 2005–06 season,{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32241&season_id=135|title=Games played by Lee Bell in 2005/2006|work=Soccerbase|access-date=29 April 2008}} scoring two more goals against Reading{{cite news|title=Goals galore in battle Royal!|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/goals-galore-in-battle-royal-5643694|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=8 February 2006|accessdate=12 June 2016}} and Brighton & Hove Albion.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alexandra 2 – 1 Brighton and Hove Albion|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4726986.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 February 2006|accessdate=12 June 2016}}
A broken foot and an ankle injury caused Bell to miss the start of the 2006–07 season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/6058126.stm|title=Midfielder Bell back in training |date=18 October 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} After being limited to one first team appearance, he had a request to leave Crewe granted in January 2007,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burton_albion/6242001.stm|title=Bell opens door to Burton switch |date=10 January 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} and joined Burton Albion on a contract until the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burton_albion/6319003.stm|title=Midfielder Bell signs for Burton |date=31 January 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} After making twelve appearances for the club, Bell was released.{{cite news|title=Holmes signs new deal|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Holmes-signs-new-deal/story-21523387-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=2 May 2007|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612222029/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Holmes-signs-new-deal/story-21523387-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2016|url-status=dead}}
=Mansfield Town=
After leaving Burton Albion, Bell went on a trial at Mansfield Town.{{cite news|title=Heartbreak for D'Laryea|url=http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/mansfield-town-news/heartbreak-for-d-laryea-1-691515|publisher=Mansfield and Ashfield Chad|date=17 July 2007|accessdate=12 June 2016}} Following a successful trial, Bell joined Mansfield Town in August 2007.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/6929763.stm|title=Stags sign up Bell and Boulding |date=3 August 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}} Bell made his Mansfield Town debut in the opening game of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Brentford{{cite news|title=Brentford 1 – 1 Mansfield Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6931002.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2007|accessdate=12 June 2016}} and then scored his first Mansfield Town goal, in a 2–1 loss against Morecambe on 12 February 2008.{{cite news|title=Mansfield Town 1 – 2 Morecambe|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7236376.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 February 2008|accessdate=12 June 2016}}
He made 27 appearances for Mansfield in the 2007–08 season,{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=1723&seasonid=137|title=Mansfield 2007/2008 player appearances|work=Soccerbase|accessdate=29 April 2008}} before suffering a serious knee injury in February 2008 that ruled him out for most of the rest of the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/7254882.stm|title=Bell fears early finish to season |date=20 February 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 April 2008}}
=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,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/7405428.stm|title=Seven players to leave Mansfield |date=16 May 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=17 May 2008}} and joined Macclesfield Town on a one-year contract.{{cite news |url=http://www.mtfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10393~1317143,00.html |title=A great move for me |date=21 May 2008 |publisher=Macclesfield Town FC |accessdate=9 July 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215203821/http://www.mtfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10393~1317143%2C00.html |archivedate=15 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}
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.{{cite news|title=Macclesfield Town 0 – 2 Bradford City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7551258.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2008|accessdate=12 June 2016}} Four months on 12 December 2008, Bell scored his first goal for the club, in a 4–2 win over Chesterfield.{{cite news|title=Chesterfield 2 – 4 Macclesfield Town|url=http://www.macclesfield-express.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chesterfield-2-macclesfield-town-4-2534099|newspaper=Macclesfield Express|date=12 December 2008|accessdate=12 June 2016}} 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.{{cite web|title=Profile|url=http://www.mtfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10393~14560,00.html|work=mtfc.co.uk|accessdate=31 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Lee's not Leaving|url=http://www.macclesfield-express.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lees-not-leaving-2531355|newspaper=Macclesfield Express|date=22 April 2009|accessdate=12 June 2016}}
He played 44 games in 2009–10, where he scored two goals against Dagenham & Redbridge{{cite news|title=Dagenham & Redbridge 3 – 1 Macclesfield Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8579233.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 March 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}} and Barnet.{{cite news|title=Barnet 1 – 2 Macclesfield Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8605191.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}} As a result, Bell was voted the club's Player of the Year.{{cite news|title=Honours for Bell and Brain|url=http://www.macclesfield-express.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/honours-for-bell-and-brain-2529731|newspaper=Macclesfield Express|date=5 May 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}} However, Bell was released by the club, along with ten other players, in May 2010.{{cite news|title=Macclesfield Town release Jon Brain but make Rooney offer| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/macclesfield_town/8682615.stm| publisher= BBC Sport | date= 14 May 2010 | accessdate= 15 May 2010}}
=Crewe Alexandra (second spell)=
Bell was re-signed by Crewe Alexandra on a two-year contract in May 2010, with manager Dario Gradi looking to add experience to the squad.{{cite news|title=Midfielder Lee Bell returns to Crewe Alexandra|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/8694819.stm|accessdate=31 May 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2010}} Upon re-signing for Crewe, Bell revealed he took a pay-cut, in order to join the club despite other interest.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alex: Lee Bell's Salary sacrifice paves the way home|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/crewe-alex-lee-bells-salary-5615857|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=26 May 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}}
Bell's first appearance since leaving the club three years earlier came in the opening game of the season, when they lost 1–0 to Hereford United.{{cite news|title='Don't panic' was the message from Dario Gradi after defeat to Hereford|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/dont-panic-message-dario-gradi-5613816|publisher=Crewe Chronicle|date=11 August 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}} During the 2010–11 season, Bell was one of three regular club captains, along with David Artell and Ashley Westwood.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi to rotate captaincy|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/8892306.stm|accessdate=1 June 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 August 2010}} 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.{{cite news|title=Chesterfield 5 – 5 Crewe Alexandra|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9036831.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 October 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}} However, Bell was involved in a confrontation with the club's supporters at the end of the game, an incident which caused Bell to apologise.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alex: Familiar collapse for Crewe in 10-goal thriller (PICS)|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Crewe-Alex-Familiar-collapse-10-goal-thriller/story-12495672-detail/story.html|publisher=Stoke Sentinel|date=4 October 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}}{{dead link|date=February 2018}}{{Cite web | title = Lee Bell Ding-Dong | first = Michael | last = Rowland | website = thefootballnetwork.net | date = 5 October 2010 | accessdate = 6 February 2018 | url = http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s710/st163097.htm}} He went on to make 44 league appearances for the club during the 2011–12 season, having missed one game due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alex: Lee Bell is sweating on his place|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/crewe-alex-lee-bell-sweating-5611582|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=14 December 2010|accessdate=12 June 2016}}
Ahead of the 2011–12 season, Bell said he was willing to share the captaincy with Artell and Westwood for the second time.{{cite news|title=Bell happy at shared role|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11065/7032308/bell-happy-at-shared-role|publisher=Sky Sports|date=11 July 2011|accessdate=12 June 2016}} In January 2012, Bell suffered a groin injury.{{cite news|title=Team news: Oxford United v Crewe Alexandra|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/team-news-oxford-united-v-5604184|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=14 January 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}} He also required surgery for a hernia.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alex: Bell set to go under the knife to mend hernia|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/crewe-alex-bell-set-go-5604187|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=18 January 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}} In a draw against Crawley Town on 2 April 2012, Bell conceded a penalty when he handled in the area. Crawley Town successfully converted to make it 1-1.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alex: 'Inconsolable' Lee Bell not to blame, says Steve Phillips|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/crewe-alex-inconsolable-lee-bell-5602777|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=6 April 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}}{{cite news|title=Crawley Town 1 – 1 Crewe Alexandra|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17558702|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 April 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}} Bell went on to make thirty appearances 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.{{cite news|last=Begley|first=Emlyn|title=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.|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18135731|accessdate=31 May 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017064555/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18135731|archive-date=17 October 2013|url-status=dead}} However, he was released by new boss Steve Davis a few days later, and was heavily linked with a move to nearby Port Vale.{{cite news|title=Port Vale talk has familiar ring for Crewe outcast Lee Bell|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-talk-familiar-ring-Crewe-outcast-Lee/story-16239108-detail/story.html|accessdate=31 May 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=31 May 2012}}
=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.{{cite news|title=Albion hand Bell another chance|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Albion-hand-Bell-chance/story-21535116-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=13 July 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612222932/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Albion-hand-Bell-chance/story-21535116-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2016|url-status=dead}} Bell was then involved in a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa, where he impressed.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/burton-1-2-villa-247591.aspx|title=Match Report: Burton Albion 1 – 2 Aston Villa|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=18 July 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803023334/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/burton-1-2-villa-247591.aspx|archivedate=3 August 2012 |url-status=live}} Following his trial, Bell signed a one-year contract with Burton.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/lee-bell-signing-279532.aspx|title=Bell sign a one year deal|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=31 July 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305075026/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/lee-bell-signing-279532.aspx|archivedate=5 March 2016 |url-status=live}}
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.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United 2 – 2 Burton Ablion (4-5 on penalty shoot-out)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19124048|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}} 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 minute after a second bookable offense, in a 3–0 loss.{{cite news|title=Rotherham 3-0 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19221565|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}} 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.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 3 – 1 York City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19567041|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 September 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}} In the second round of the FA Cup, Bell captained Burton Albion for the first time against his former club, Crewe.{{cite news|title=Zola makes happy return as Albion's cup of joy overflows|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Zola-makes-happy-return-Albions-cup-joy-overflows/story-21535236-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=3 December 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612233104/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Zola-makes-happy-return-Albions-cup-joy-overflows/story-21535236-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2016|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 2 – 0 Southend United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20822900|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 December 2012|accessdate=12 June 2016}} Bell later added two more goals later in the season against Exeter City{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 4 – 2 Exeter City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21482966|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2013|accessdate=12 June 2016}} and Dagenham & Redbridge.{{cite news|title=Dagenham & Redbridge 2 – 2 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21724442|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 March 2013|accessdate=12 June 2016}} During the season, Bell, who had captain the team for a number of games during the season, helped the club to 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 four-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.{{cite news|title=Bradford City 1 – 0 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22133197|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 April 2013|accessdate=12 June 2016}} After the club were unsuccessful in the play-offs, Bell made 43 appearances in his first full season at the club. Bell won the club's Player of the Year award{{cite web |url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/awards-802039.aspx |title=Bell heads winners at Player Awards |publisher=Burton Albion F.C. |date=1 May 2013 |accessdate=8 May 2018 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502221259/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/awards-802039.aspx |archivedate=2 May 2013}} and was rewarded with a new one-year contract in April 2013.{{cite news|title=Bell pens Burton extension|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11065/8556802/bell-pens-burton-extension|publisher=Sky Sports|date=11 March 2013|accessdate=12 June 2016}}
In the 2013–14 season, Bell was appointed as the new club captain.{{cite news|title=Lee Bell's weekly Burton Albion column|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Lee-Bells-weekly-Burton-Albion-column/story-21535499-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=31 August 2013|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612235617/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Lee-Bells-weekly-Burton-Albion-column/story-21535499-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2016|url-status=dead}} However, Bell was in and out of the starting eleven during the season, often featuring on the substitute bench.{{cite news|title=Gary Rowett pleased to have a midfield headache at Burton Albion|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Gary-Rowett-pleased-midfield-headache-Burton-Albion/story-21535821-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=25 October 2013|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613000058/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Gary-Rowett-pleased-midfield-headache-Burton-Albion/story-21535821-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 June 2016|url-status=dead}} Later in the season, Bell scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–0 win over Hartlepool United on 19 April 2014.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 3 – 0 Hartlepool United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26998789|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 April 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016}} 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.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 0 – 1 Fleetwood Town|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27465323|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016}} After making 34 appearances for the club, Bell was once again rewarded with a one-year contract extension for the second time running.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140529-retained-1582576.aspx|title=EIGHT PLAYERS AGREE NEW DEALS|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=29 May 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602011410/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140529-retained-1582576.aspx|archivedate=2 June 2014 |url-status=live}}
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 earlier.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion man Lee Bell suffers minor setback in training|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Burton-Albion-man-Lee-Bell-suffers-minor-setback/story-22809820-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=23 August 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613002218/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Burton-Albion-man-Lee-Bell-suffers-minor-setback/story-22809820-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 June 2016|url-status=dead}} After making a brief return against Mansfield Town,{{cite news|title=Mansfield Town 1, Burton Albion 2 – full-time report|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Mansfield-Town-0-Burton-Albion-1-half-time-report/story-22852952-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=30 August 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613002714/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Mansfield-Town-0-Burton-Albion-1-half-time-report/story-22852952-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 June 2016|url-status=dead}} Bell find himself competing with newly signing John Mousinho over the starting eleven squad.{{cite news|title=BURTON ALBION: Gary Rowett happy to see Lee Bell back in the Brewers midfield|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/BURTON-ALBION-Gary-Rowett-happy-Lee-Bell-Brewers/story-23419042-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=24 October 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613003234/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/BURTON-ALBION-Gary-Rowett-happy-Lee-Bell-Brewers/story-23419042-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 June 2016|url-status=dead}} Bell scored his first Burton Albion goal of the season, in a 4–3 win over Carlisle United on 21 October 2014.{{cite news|title=Carlisle United 3 – 4 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29608693|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 October 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016}} 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, making only one substitute appearance,{{cite news|title=BURTON ALBION: Sharps and Bell told they can leave the Brewers|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/BURTON-ALBION-Sharps-Bell-told-leave-Brewers/story-25788514-detail/story.html|work=Burton Mail|date=31 December 2014|accessdate=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613004145/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/BURTON-ALBION-Sharps-Bell-told-leave-Brewers/story-25788514-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 June 2016|url-status=dead}} and was informed by Hasselbaink that he would not feature in the team and he should look for a move.{{cite news|title=Lee Bell and Ian Sharps allowed to leave Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30642607|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=4 August 2015|date=31 December 2014}}
=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.{{cite web|title=Transfer Deadline Day: Lee Bell joins Macclesfield from Burton|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31097887|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=4 August 2015|date=2 February 2015}} Bell's first appearance for Macclesfield Town since leaving the club five years earlier came on 7 February 2015, playing 90 minutes, in a 3–2 win over Welling United.{{cite news|title=Macclesfield Town 3-2 Welling United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31071506|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 February 2015|accessdate=12 June 2016}} Bell then scored three goals in three consecutive matches between 6 April 2015 and 18 April 2015 against Wrexham{{cite news|title=Macclesfield Town 2-2 Wrexham|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32111695|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 April 2015|accessdate=12 June 2016}} Forest Green Rovers,{{cite news|title=Forest Green Rovers 3 – 1 Macclesfield Town|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32180121|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 April 2015|accessdate=12 June 2016}} and Dartford.{{cite news|title=Macclesfield Town 2 – 0 Dartford|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32262486|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 April 2015|accessdate=12 June 2016}} Upon returning to his parent club, Bell was released by the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/end-of-season-retained-list-2440171.aspx|title=END OF SEASON RETAINED LIST|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=5 May 2015|accessdate=12 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505220028/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/end-of-season-retained-list-2440171.aspx|archivedate=5 May 2015 |url-status=live}}
Coaching roles
=Crewe Alexandra=
Bell retired from playing in the summer of 2015, aged 32, and rejoined Crewe as under-18s coach,{{cite news|title=Neil Baker swaps roles as Crewe Alex announce changes to management structure|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-baker-swaps-roles-crewe-9917390|newspaper=Crewe Chronicle|date=24 August 2015|accessdate=24 August 2015}} and was promoted to under-18s manager in January 2017 during a coaching reshuffle following the appointment of David Artell as new first team manager.{{cite web|title=U18: Crewe 2-2 Leeds United|url=http://www.crewealex.net/news/article/2016-17/u18-crewe-2-2-leeds-united-3527098.aspx|website=CreweAlex.net|accessdate=19 January 2017}} In March 2022, Artell reshuffled his team again and Bell was appointed under-23s manager,{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title='Vital' – Dave Artell explains Crewe Alexandra reshuffle with new roles for Kenny Lunt, Alex Morris and Lee Bell |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/crewe-alexandra-reshuffle-lunt-morris-23381109 |access-date=18 March 2022 |work=Cheshire Live |date=14 March 2022}} before being appointed the assistant manager to Alex Morris when he became permanent manager on 28 April 2022.{{cite news |title=Alex Morris Appointed First-Team Manager |url=https://www.crewealex.net/news/2022/april/alex-morris-appointed-first-team-manager/ |access-date=28 April 2022 |work=Crewe Alex |date=28 April 2022}} On 4 November 2022, Bell was appointed Crewe Alexandra's interim manager after Morris stepped down for compassionate reasons to become assistant manager.{{cite news|title=Alex Morris steps down as First-Team Manager |url=https://www.crewealex.net/news/2022/november/alex-morris-steps-down-as-first-team-manager/ |access-date=4 November 2022 |work=Crewe Alexandra |date=4 November 2022}}{{cite news |title=Alex Morris: Crewe Alexandra boss steps down to be assistant, Lee Bell becomes interim manager |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63517779 |access-date=4 November 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 November 2022}} On 1 December 2022, Bell was given the job on a permanent basis.{{cite web|url=https://www.crewealex.net/news/2022/december/lee-bell-appointed-first-team-manager/|title=Lee Bell appointed First Team Manager|website=www.crewealex.net|date=1 December 2022|accessdate=1 December 2022}}
On 17 February 2024, Bell confronted the referee David Rock immediately after the final whistle of the club's goalless draw against Harrogate Town at Gresty Road. He was red-carded and later handed a one-game touchline ban, forcing him to watch Crewe play Morecambe on 2 March 2024 from the stands.{{cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Ryan |title=Crewe Alex boss handed one-game touchline ban after receiving red card |url=https://crewe.nub.news/news/local-news/crewe-alex-boss-handed-one-game-touchline-ban-after-receiving-red-card-222522 |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=Crewe Nub News |date=1 March 2024}} In his first full season as manager, Bell took the side to 6th place in the 2023–24 season; in the play-offs, they beat Doncaster Rovers to reach the play-off final,{{cite news |title=Colchester United 1-1 Crewe Alexandra |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68862488 |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 April 2024}} where they lost to Crawley Town.{{cite news |title=Crawley Town Crawley Town 2-0 Crewe Alexandra |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/crgygex110jt |access-date=20 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2024}}
On 16 December 2024, following a strong start to the 2024–25 season, the club confirmed that Bell had turned down an approach from another (unnamed) club, opting to remain at Crewe. {{cite web|url=https://www.crewealex.net/news/2024/december/16/statement---lee-bell/|title=Statement {{!}} Lee Bell|website=www.crewealex.net|date=16 December 2024|accessdate=16 December 2024}}{{cite news |title=Bell stays at Crewe despite approach by another club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c2kx12zv093o |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=16 December 2024}}{{cite news |title='Long may it continue' - Bell happy to stay Crewe boss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyj3l1n05po |access-date=19 December 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 December 2024}}
Personal life
Bell was a columnist for the Burton Mail.
Career statistics
=Player=
{{notelist}}
=Manager=
{{updated|match played 3 May 2025}}
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure | ||||
| rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|From !rowspan=2|To !colspan=5|Record !rowspan=2|{{abbr|Ref|Reference}} | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|P|Matches played}} | {{abbr|W|Matches won}} | {{abbr|D|Matches drawn}} | {{abbr|L|Matches lost}} | {{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}} |
| align=left|Crewe Alexandra
|align=left|4 November 2022 |align=left|present {{WDL|141|50|43|48|decimals=1}} | ||||
| colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|141|50|43|48|decimals=1}} ! |
Honours
Crewe Alexandra
- Football League Second Division second-place promotion: 2002–03
- Football League Two play-offs: 2012{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18135731 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202185216/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18135731 |title=Cheltenham Town 0–2 Crewe Alexandra |first=Emlyn |last=Begley |website=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2012 |archive-date=2 December 2014 |access-date=30 May 2025}}
Individual
- Macclesfield Town Player of the Year: 2009–10
- Burton Albion Player of the Year: 2012–13
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Crewe Alexandra F.C. squad}}
{{EFL League Two managers}}
{{Crewe Alexandra F.C. managers}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = Gold
| list1 =
{{Macclesfield Town F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Burton Albion F.C. Player of the Year}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bell, Lee}}
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players
Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players
Category:Burton Albion F.C. players
Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players
Category:Macclesfield Town F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Footballers from Cheshire
Category:English football managers
Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. managers