It was widely believed that 24-year-old Lee had played his last game for City after missing the Grecians play-off run in amid sustained injury concerns and a refusal to commit to the two year contract deal offered to him by the club towards the end of last season. However, Dolan today admitted to the Express and Echo that it was not yet to late for the former Yeading star to return to St.James Park, despite Lee having booked up trials with Crawley Town and First Division Stoke.
Dolan was quick however to outline that a place in the squad would not be a limitless offer, as plans for next season start to gather momentum.
Following the summer departures of Martin Thomas (released) and Jamie Coppinger (Doncaster), the midfield is of prime concern for Dolan, and he will now be moving quickly to secure his targets. Former Manchester United youngster Andy Taylor has already signed up for next season after spending the majority of the 2003/4 campaign on non-contract terms.
Dwane Lee was signed from Yeading last September, and promptly announced his arrival at St.James Park with a memorable strike to secure all three points against Stevenage Borough on his debut. However, faltering form and persistent back problems restricted Lee's excursions after the New Year, whilst Glenn Cronin and Kwame Ampadu forged the midfield partnership which almost pushed the Grecians into the play-offs.