Rob Lee made 19 appearances for West Ham United during the 2003/04 season. He has now become the director of football at one of West Ham's local non-league clubs, Hornchurch.
Lee told Hornchurch's official website, "Hornchurch will always hold a special place in my heart. This is where my dream began, and I’m honoured to come back and help shape the future of this club. I can’t wait to get started."
He was born in West Ham and played youth soccer for Hornchurch before coming through the ranks at Charlton Athletic. The midfielder went on to play for Newcastle United before returning to East London with West Ham. He then played for Oldham Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, and gained 21 England caps.
Since retiring from soccer, Lee has worked in the media. He also has two sons, Elliot and Olly, who were both on West Ham's books before having successful English Football League careers elsewhere.
Hornchurch has a lot of ties to West Ham
Horchurch's ground was used for West Ham's Women's team when they were known as West Ham Ladies. They now play their home games at Dagenham & Redbridge's Victoria Road.
The Urchins are also managed by Daryl McMahon, who was at West Ham but did not make a first-team appearance. McMahon had a successful EFL and non-league career, and at just 42 has already achieved a lot as a manager.
McMahon helped Ebbsfleet United to promotion to the National League in 2017 via the playoffs. He also coached Macclesfield Town and Dagenham, whilst he also had a spell as a technical coach at Leyton Orient.
With Hornchurch, he won the Isthmian League Premier Division in the 2023/34 season. He has now had his second promotion with the Urchins, as he won the Nations League South playoffs with them in the campaign just gone.
Hornchurch is building an experienced team off the field with former Bromley Chief Executive Officer Mark Hammond, the club's new CEO. They look to be a side going places as they prepare for a season in the National League.
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