I was a young lad at the time so I'll defer to the expert but I don't remember Lee ever really standing out that much as a player till the second half of 93-94.
Rob Lee from 94-97 was fantastic, and the best midfielder I've seen for us based on peak. Speed was brilliant for us for nearly 6 years, which may tip the balance in his favour.
If you think of some of the things he's been in bother for and the money he's on your sympathy will rapidly evaporate.
Like when you express sympathy for Pardew for getting paid almost a million quid a year to play 3 defensive midfielders at home (and still lose 6-0)?
Too much has been made of England's midfield failings. Lack of striking quality since Shearer's retirement is a bigger issue. Lampard's still England's best midfielder. So what?
He's scored 3 times for us in 20 games with one of those goals a finish into an empty net and another a big deflection. Doesn't really bode well.
I like him because of his pace, tenacity and directness but he can't really be depended on to start. He creates nowt either.
Velodrome is one of the best stadiums I've ever been to for a number of reasons. Anyone making that swap doesn't give a single fuck where he's playing.