Seven things Hearts fans should know about Olly Lee

Olly Lee (R) with his brother Elliot and dad Rob. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

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Hearts are set to complete their fourth signing of the summer with the addition of Luton Town midfielder Olly Lee.

The 26-year-old was in attendance as Hearts defeated Hibs 2-1 at Tynecastle Park on Wednesday and will join on a free contract.

Joel Sked looks at what Hearts can expect from Lee...

Lee was a ‘late bloomer’

Up until the age of 15 Lee was playing Sunday league football. It all changed when he was taken to Wycombe Wanderers for a trial. Rather than sign for the Football League side, he was spotted by a West Ham United scout.

The midfielder has referred to himself as a “late bloomer”. But he quickly made a name for himself in the Hammers academy and captained the club’s under-18s.

However, Lee was unable to progress to become a member of the first-team, making the bench on only one occasion. He left on three loan spells before being released by Sam Allardyce, who was the West Ham manager at the time, aged 20.

The past season has been Lee’s best

Not uncommon in England’s Football League, Lee has racked up a number of clubs. During his time at West Ham he had two loan spells at Dagenham & Redbridge and one at Gillingham.

He made the move to north London side Barnet permanently where he played regularly before the arrival of Edgar Davids at the club. A trial at Birmingham City saw him sign on loan before it was made permanent.

He gained infrequent Championship experience before dropping down to League Two, getting game time with Plymouth Argyle.

It wasn’t until Lee signed for Luton Town that he found a settled home and regular first-team action.

This season has seen a marked improvement in the player’s output, netting six times and assisting a further five times to help the Hatters gain promotion to League One.

A change in position has helped

Luton Town have been the English Football League’s entertainers. Include the Premier League and only Manchester City have scored more goals than the Hatters’ 94.

Luton boss Nathan Jones’ attacking philosophy is fully ingrained in the club now, and Lee had his position altered, giving him more freedom and responsibility to attack, largely playing on the right of a midfield diamond.