Lee was released by npower League Two side Cheltenham Town in the summer after failing to transfer his youth team scoring exploits in to first-team action. He has had summer trials with Blue Square Bet South side Thurrock as well as the Villagers, but a link with manager Alex Sykes has convinced him to sign a deal with Cleeve.

Lee gave a decent account of himself as a centre forward during the first half of the 1-1 draw with Gloucester City last Tuesday, but it was when he switched to centre half that he really impressed.

So much so that Sykes believes that the capture of the 19-year-old can be seen as something of a transfer coup for the Villagers.

"I've known Jake Lee for some time and to get a scalp like that is terrific," Sykes said.

"I've kept it a bit quiet until I've been able to get him as I think it's a great signing for the club.

"I want him to just start enjoying his football again after his release from Cheltenham and hopefully I can give him that springboard to go on, whether it's with Cleeve or someone else.

"Jake's got a real ability to win the ball in the air. You look at the first half of the game against Gloucester he gave Tom Hamblin and Matt Coupe a real test.

"When he goes back into the back four he's not only got that, but also the ability to get the ball down and play a little bit as well.

"And with want we want to do in keeping the ball and playing out from the back that's going to be important as I've got three or four centre backs who all want to play."

Lee was joined in agreeing terms with Sykes by key pair Lee Davis and Elliot Kennedy before Tuesday night's game.

Midfielder Davis, the club's reigning player of the year, and forward Kennedy had both been on trial with Cirencester Town, but Sykes is delighted to see them commit to the Villagers.

Sykes also said that he is closing on finalising the eighteen-twenty man squad that he wants to take into the season – his first in charge of Cleeve.

Cleeve have performed ably in their three pre-season games to date, beating Conference Premier outfit Bath City 3-2 and drawing with the Tigers 1-1.

They were defeated 3-0 by Kidderminster Harriers, but not before putting in a decent performance.

"We've done really well in pre-season so far and we'll still improve," Sykes said.

"I have the squad coming into my mind now, but the lads on the fringes have performed really well in pre-season and made my job really difficult."