Lee takes on the role that has been vacated by Chris Hargreaves, who today was appointed the new Academy Manager.
After hanging up his boots at Rovers in 2017, following a terrific three-year spell with the club which requires little explanation, Lee moved immediately into coaching and became the Lead Professional Development Phase Coach for the Academy.
The ex-midfielder remained in that position until December last year, when he was called into the First Team to offer support to Graham Coughlan following his appointment as Manager.
Lee begins with immediate effect and said, “I’m pleased to take on this role and I look forward to helping these lads progress their careers and try to make an impression on the senior squad.
“There has been a good progression from the Academy, not only for players but for staff and it is visible to see.
“Having worked with the Under-18s hopefully this will help strengthen the bridge between them and the Development Squad, which can only aid our youngsters.”
“My time with the First Team has also allowed me to recognise what the Manager looks for in a player, so I can tailor my work with the Development Squad to that.”
Manager Graham Coughlan said, “Lee has been fantastic since I took on the job back in December and played a big part in the side’s improvement in the second half of the season.
“He is someone who knows the club well and has worked across all three of the major groups and knows what is required of each of them so he will suit the role.
“He has done some great work with the Under-18s in the last couple of years and helped push a lot of players on and can continue to do so now with the Development Squad.
“I wish to thank Lee for his support in the first team and I look forward to working with him closely as the Development Squad Manager.”