Leslie Lea

Who is Leslie Lea?

Leslie Lea is an English former professional footballer. He played as a midfielder.

Lea began his professional career with Blackpool in 1960, making his debut in the opening game of the 1960–61 league campaign. He scored his first goal for the club in their fourth league game, a 3–1 defeat at Tottenham on 31 August 1960. He made six other league appearances that term, the last one being on 1 October, meaning he sat out the remaining six months of the season.

He didn't feature at all in 1961–62, but the following season, 1962–63, he featured in half of the league campaign. He also scored two goals, in consecutive games as the season drew to a close: firstly in a 3–2 victory over Arsenal at Bloomfield Road on 27 April 1963, and then in a 3–0 whitewash of Manchester City at Maine Road on 4 May.

In 1963–64, Lea made 30 league starts, scoring a solitary goal.

He continued to be a regular fixture in Ron Suart's teams throughout 1964–65, making another 30 league appearances and scoring twice, both in victories: 4–2 at home to Blackburn Rovers on 24 August 1964, and 3–1 in Blackpool's hosting of Sunderland on 26 September.