Brentford's Lee out of the Den and into the fire (From Elmbridge Guardian)

Brentford's Lee out of the Den and into the fire

9:22am Thursday 29th July 2010

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Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee is used to being thrown in at the deep end and he is determined to bounce back from his Bees baptism of fire.

The 28-year-old, who famously appeared on BBC TV show Dragon’s Den, endured a nightmare first game under boss Andy Scott when he was on the receiving end of a 5-0 home defeat to Fulham.

The former Watford man, signed in the summer, has featured just once more in the pre-season schedule as youngster Simon Moore has impressed between the sticks - particularly in Tuesday’s 4-0 thumping of Blue Square South Woking.

Lee, who earned an investment from Duncan Bannatyne for his Dr Cap headwear business, has been handed the task of filling Arsenal loanee Wojciech Szczesny’s gloves this season.

He jumped at the chance of first team football with the Bees having spent 18 months on the bench with the Hornets, and he is out to prove to the Griffin Park faithful that he can fill the void left by the giant Pole.

“It was tough to leave Watford because I was close to a Testimonial there, but as soon as I spoke to Andy Scott I was excited about the opportunity here and there was only one choice really,” he said.

“Wojciech’s are large shoes to fill because obviously I’m aware of how well he did here last year and he is going to be a top, top keeper.

“The two games I’ve had have not gone as I would have liked. The Fulham game was a baptism of fire, but I’m going to get my head down and work hard.

“When I get the opportunity I’ll be giving 100 per cent to show everyone what I’m capable of.

“Simon Moore has shown what a good goalkeeper he will be, but my goals haven’t changed. I feel sharp and when I next get the opportunity, hopefully, I can take it.”

Lee launches his own countrywide 22-venue goalkeeping school - GK Icon - next week with the help of England goalkeepers Ben Foster and Joe Hart.

It is his second business venture following his appearance in the Den and he admits he’s always enjoyed using his free time productively.

“As a footballer you do get a lot of spare time. A lot of players spend it playing computer games relaxing, but I’ve always been interested in business,” he added.

“Goalkeeping is sometimes overlooked in this country and considering we had one school 18 months ago, we’ve come a long way.

“The Dragon’s Den was an interesting experience. It wasn’t something I actually needed at the time, but I can’t say it didn’t help and it helped my football career as well.”

For more details on GK Icon visit www.gkicon.com.

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